Small luggage trailers

Question

I'm trying to locate some info on the legislation around small luggage trailers and their towing vehicles. Is the only criteria that the towing vehicle must be heavier than the loaded trailer? Reason I'm asking, there's a rumour going around that small cars (1100 and 1300) will soon be unable to tow a luggage trailer. Is this true? Or is this based on the trailer vs tow vehicle mass, that will basically forbid very small cars from towing very big caravans.

Answer

Trailers require that the drawing vehicle (ie the vehicle that tows the trailer) has a Tare greater than the GVM of the trailer in instances up to 750kg GVM for the trailer. Thereafter, braking systems have to be fitted to the trailer (with different types and combinations of braking devices / systems as the trailers become larger in size of GVM). These become compulsory in terms of stopping capability (a trailer that is heavier than the drawing vehicle will simply push the drawing vehicle). In addition, there is a power to weight ratio that is determined by the manufacturer of the drawing vehicle (ie the car / truck that will tow the trailer). This cannot be exceeded (the vehicle will not be able to move). There is no plan to forbid small cars from towing luggage trailers. If the power to weight ratio (as determined by the manufacturer) is exceeded, and you are stopped by a traffic officer, you will be prosecuted. This has been in legislation for a long time already and will remain. The practice of placing large trailers (including caravans) behind lightly powered vehicles has been illegal and will continue to be illegal. Does this answer your questions?