Privacy Policy

Effective Date: 6th September 2025

Last Updated: 6th September 2025

1. Introduction

The Mule Caravan Towing Services ("we", "us", or "our") is committed to protecting your privacy and personal data. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your information when you use our website or caravan towing services.

This policy complies with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

2. Data Controller Information

Data Controller: The Mule Caravan Towing Services

Address: 29 Thompson Close, Walsall, WV13 1ST, West Midlands, England

Phone: 07791 640042

Email: neil@themule.co.uk

3. Information We Collect

3.1 Information You Provide to Us

  • Contact Information: Name, email address, phone number, postal address
  • Service Information: Caravan specifications, collection/delivery addresses, preferred dates
  • Communication: Messages, enquiries, and feedback you send us
  • Payment Information: Processed securely through third-party payment processors

3.2 Information We Collect Automatically

  • Website Usage: Pages visited, time spent, IP address
  • Device Information: Browser type, operating system, device type
  • Analytics Data: Website interaction patterns, session duration, referral sources (via Google Analytics)
  • Location Data: Approximate location for route calculations (when you provide addresses)
  • Cookies: See our Cookie Policy for detailed information

3.3 Google Analytics Data

We use Google Analytics 4 (GA4) with tracking ID G-83F1TCWHEY to understand how visitors use our website.

Data Collected Includes:

  • Page views and user interactions
  • Session duration and bounce rates
  • Device and browser information
  • Referral sources and marketing effectiveness
  • Approximate geographic location (country/city level)

Privacy Note: We use Google Consent Mode and have configured analytics with IP anonymisation and disabled advertising features for enhanced privacy.

4. Legal Basis for Processing

We process your personal data under the following legal bases:

  • Contract: To provide caravan towing services you've requested
  • Legitimate Interest: To operate our business, improve services, and communicate with customers
  • Consent: For marketing communications and website analytics (Google Analytics) where you've opted in
  • Legal Obligation: To comply with UK tax and business regulations

Analytics Consent: Google Analytics data processing is based on your explicit consent obtained through our cookie consent banner. You can withdraw consent at any time by adjusting your cookie preferences.

5. How We Use Your Information

  • Provide caravan towing and transport services
  • Process bookings and calculate quotes
  • Communicate about your service requests
  • Send booking confirmations and service updates
  • Improve our website and services through analytics
  • Analyse website usage patterns and user behavior (with consent)
  • Comply with legal and regulatory requirements
  • Send marketing communications (only with your consent)
  • Resolve disputes and provide customer support

Google Analytics Usage

When you consent to analytics cookies, we use Google Analytics to:

  • Understand which pages are most useful to visitors
  • Improve website performance and user experience
  • Identify popular content and services
  • Monitor website technical performance
  • Measure the effectiveness of our marketing efforts

6. Information Sharing

We may share your information with:

  • Service Providers: Google Maps (route calculation), Google Analytics (website analytics), email services, payment processors
  • Legal Requirements: When required by law, court order, or regulatory authority
  • Business Transfer: In the event of merger, acquisition, or sale of assets
  • Consent: Other parties with your explicit consent

Google Analytics Data Sharing

When you consent to analytics cookies, certain data is shared with Google:

  • Anonymous website usage statistics
  • Aggregated user behavior patterns
  • Technical performance metrics

Google processes this data according to their Privacy Policy. Data is anonymised and we've disabled advertising features.

We never sell your personal data to third parties.

7. Data Storage and Security

7.1 Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your data:

  • SSL/TLS encryption for data transmission
  • Secure servers and databases
  • Access controls and authentication
  • Regular security assessments
  • Staff training on data protection

7.2 Data Retention

  • Service Records: 6 years (for insurance and legal purposes)
  • Marketing Data: Until you opt out or 2 years of inactivity
  • Google Analytics Data: 26 months maximum (automatically deleted by Google)
  • Cookie Consent Data: Stored locally until cleared or consent withdrawn
  • Enquiry Data: 2 years from last contact

Analytics Data Retention: Google Analytics automatically deletes user data after 26 months. We cannot extend this period and data is permanently removed from Google's servers.

8. Your Rights Under UK GDPR

You have the following rights regarding your personal data:

Right of Access

Request copies of your personal data

Right to Rectification

Request correction of inaccurate data

Right to Erasure

Request deletion of your data

Right to Restrict Processing

Limit how we use your data

Right to Data Portability

Receive your data in a structured format

Right to Object

Object to processing based on legitimate interests

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at neil@themule.co.uk or07791 640042. We will respond within one month.

9. Cookies and Tracking

We use cookies and similar technologies to improve your experience on our website. For detailed information about our use of cookies, please see ourCookie Policy.

10. Third-Party Services

10.1 Google Services

Google Maps API

Used for route calculations and address validation. Governed by Google's Privacy Policy.

Google Analytics 4 (GA4)

Service ID: G-83F1TCWHEY

Purpose: Website usage analytics and performance monitoring

Data Processor: Google LLC (USA) / Google Ireland Limited (EU)

Legal Basis: Your explicit consent via cookie banner

Data Transfers: May involve transfers to the USA under adequacy decisions

Your Controls:

Privacy-enhanced configuration: IP anonymisation enabled, advertising features disabled, demographic data collection disabled.

10.2 Email Services

We use email service providers for communications. Your email data is processed in accordance with their privacy policies.

11. Children's Privacy

Our services are not directed at children under 16. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 16. If you believe we have collected information from a child under 16, please contact us immediately.

12. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of significant changes by email (if you've provided one) or by posting a notice on our website. The "Last Updated" date at the top of this policy indicates when it was last revised.

13. Complaints

If you have concerns about how we handle your personal data, please contact us first. If you're not satisfied with our response, you can lodge a complaint with the UK Information Commissioner's Office (ICO):

Information Commissioner's Office

Website: ico.org.uk

Phone: 0303 123 1113

Live Chat: Available on their website

14. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:

The Mule Caravan Towing Services

29 Thompson Close, Walsall, WV13 1ST, West Midlands, England

Phone: 07791 640042

Email: neil@themule.co.uk