Despite having been driven around the UK without incident for 18 months, the van has caused more than a stir since it arrived in the Island yesterday.Shocked driver Colin Tabram was woken from his slumber in the van parked on a Victoria Avenue layby this morning to be told that his van could be classed as a caravan and he could face a fine of up to £3,000.Mr Tabram said that he had had nothing but difficulties since he arrived in the Island, having been stopped by both the States and honorary police.This morning’s warning came from planning officer Gerald Bisson.
‘There was a knock on the door at 7.23 am and Mr Bisson was there.
He told me I was breaking a state law by sleeping in the van, as it could be classed as a caravan and I could be liable for a fine of up to £3,000.
That was a real shock.
I had also been given a parking ticket overnight,’ he said.The van carrying the promotional low-fare message has been driven thousands of miles around England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland.Mr Tabram works for an outdoor advertising and marketing company and said that he had never faced the problems he has found in Jersey.British Airways Channel Islands manager Bob Little said that they were aware the van was to visit the Island.’However, due to misunderstanding between ourselves and our colleagues in the UK obtaining local permissions was overlooked.
We are grateful for the sensitive responses today of the Planning Office and the police and will make sure that there will be no repetitions in the future,’ he said.Mr Little added that the van was scheduled to stay in Jersey only until tomorrow and then leave to continue its very long journey.
