Entry Forms can be downloaded here in PDF format.

A free PDF viewer is available here    

FLOAT FITNESS.

The vehicle and any trailer forming part of the float must comply with Section 40A of the Road Traffic Act 1988.
Please read the advice contained here and ensure that those involved with the float comply with the safety measures
aimed at ensuring accidents are prevented.

SAFETY ADVICE.

The advice stated below will ensure that the Combe Martin Carnival will continue to operate and that the risk of injury to
any person will be minimal. The onus for safety of the vehicle, its passengers and members of the public
supporting the Carnival rests with: The Carnival Committee, the Float Operator and the Driver of the Float.

Each member of the Carnival Committee can be held responsible for permitting or rejecting a Carnival Float which is likely
 to cause danger, by taking part in a Carnival Procession on a public road. This also includes the owner of the vehicle,
 the owner of the trailer and each individual member of a group who subscribes to that individual float.
Anyone neglecting his or her responsibility risks prosecution.

SECTION 40A ROAD TRAFFIC ACT 1988.

A float vehicle or trailer must be mechanically sound and not be suffering from corrosion or defect that is likely to lead to failure.
Any float or equipment carried on a vehicle or trailer should be secured and substantial enough for the purpose.

The vehicle or trailer must be suitable to perform the job it is intended, e.g. you cannot pull a ten tonne trailer
with a Land Rover 90 series, because the drawing vehicle was not designed for that purpose nor the brakes capable of stopping such a load.

You cannot carry more people than the vehicle was designed to carry. Passengers carried on an open vehicle
or trailer may fall off and injure themselves. Passengers must not be in a position where their safety is compromised.

Anything carried on or bolted to a vehicle or trailer must be such that at all times it remains safe.

The test to be applied in all cases is: Would the vehicle or trailer, or the load or passenger be in any way likely
to cause injury to any person carried in or on the vehicle or in the proximity of the vehicle whilst it is on a public road?
 If you think it is then the vehicle should not be used. You are criminally liable and possibly in danger of civil law
clams if subsequent injury is caused. A certificate of insurance or suitable indemnity must be in force covering
the use of the vehicle and float in the Carnival Procession. The tyres, lights and brakes must conform to legal requirements.

PASSENGER SAFETY.

No passengers may be carried on a Carnival float unless the float is taking part in the Carnival Procession, except on
 large floats where an attendant may be carried to assist the driver. No one carried shall climb off a float unless it is stationary
and there is contact with the driver. At the end of the procession, choose a safe location to stop and unload the passengers.

Any such procession may only proceed at walking pace when passengers are carried on the float.
Each float must be under the supervision of a suitable person (s) who will walk alongside the float.
As a guide please provide at least two supervisors for every 30 feet of float. No water, flour or other missiles
should be thrown from the float. Advertising material and samples must be handed out by walkers and not by people on the float.

Collection tins must not be operated from floats. Only walkers may collect using official sealed Combe Martin Carnival collecting tins.

A means of communication, either verbal or radio, must be available between the driver and the passengers on the
float to halt the vehicle immediately should the need arise.

In train vehicles, the tow bar will be supervised to ensure that no-one crosses between the vehicles and no-one is to ride on the tow bar.

Children must be seated securely, or if standing provided with restraints and adults should be provided with hand rails if standing.

Carnival organisers should ensure that all floats secretaries or captains read and conform to the advice contained above.
This will ensure that Carnivals are fun and safe for all. The Police, County Councils and the Carnival organisers are working
together to ensure the future of these popular events. For further advice, contact the local Police Traffic Unit.

Edited from a document produced by

Devon & Cornwall Constabulary