Updated 5th November
With England going into a second lockdown, you might be wondering what the new rules are when it comes to using your vehicle. In this blog, we’ve outlined the new developments to the situation.
Are there any differences between this lockdown and the first?
One of the biggest changes to the first lockdown is that schools and colleges will remain open during this period. This means you can use your vehicle to drop your children off to school.
Universities will also remain open. However, on-campus students are being urged to remain on campus during term time. For students and professors travelling to the university, the government has advised that they walk or cycle if possible. Where this is not feasible, you are allowed to take public transport or drive.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has also stated that people can use their cars to drive anywhere, and for any reason, such as to exercise, for shopping or to collect medication, as long as they follow strict social distancing protocols. Unlike the first lockdown, there’s no restriction on the number of journeys you can make each day, nor how far you are able to travel. However, you should not travel with members of different households in your vehicle.
For key workers who need to continue going into work, Johnson has said they should avoid public transport if they can and instead drive or more preferably walk or cycle to their place of work.
‘Key workers’ include emergency services staff, government officials, teachers, health and social workers, supermarket and pharmacy employees, transport employees and key public services workers such as judges, charity workers, journalists, broadcasters, religious staff and keyline service workers. The government have released a full list of who counts as a key worker.
To many people’s relief, these rules are far less restrictive than the rules in place when lockdown began in March, when people were only allowed to leave their home for a few very limited purposes:
“Shopping for basic necessities as infrequently as possible, one form of exercise a day for example a run, walk or cycle, alone or with members of your household.
“Any medical need, to provide care or to help a vulnerable person and travelling to and from work but only where this is absolutely necessary and cannot be done from home. That’s all.”
If you find yourself with more time on your hands, take a look at our list of car health checks you can perform during the lockdown to ensure your vehicle remains in good condition.
For any of your insurance needs during the lockdown Sterling are here to help with any queries you may have.
