The UK government has ordered the entire population to stay at home where possible in an effort to contain the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, and motorists are understandably unsure as to how the new rules affect them. Autocar has compiled this guide to help you know what you can and can’t do until the restrictions are lifted.
What is the coronavirus (Covid-19)?
Covid-19, also known as the coronavirus, is a potentially deadly viral infection that is easily transmitted between individuals. Originating in the Chinese city of Wuhan, it's highly contagious and sufferers only begin to show symptoms several days after infection.
The elderly and people with underlying health conditions can develop especially serious forms of the resulting illness, so the UK and most other countries around the world imposed strict lockdown measures to limit its spread. England - along with neighbouring countries including France and Spain - has begun to ease these lockdown measures, though there are still tight guidelines on where people can go and who they can see.
Can I still go for a drive in self-isolation?
Although driving hasn't been banned, it is still advisable to remain at home unless you have to make an essential trip.
Restrictions have gradually been eased over the past few weeks, and you're now allowed to drive for a variety of non-essential purposes, but simply driving for pleasure isn't advisable until the restrictions completely lift. Bear in mind: if you break down, somebody has to come to recover you, and if you have an accident, you could end up in hospital where the chances of infection are much higher.
How can I stay safe when refuelling at a petrol station?
The price of fuel has fallen quite significantly because of the coronavirus pandemic – the Morrisons supermarket chain dropped unleaded prices by an unprecedented 12p per litre in April – and fuel stations have remained open throughout lockdown.
Fuel pump handles have, however, been identified as high-risk touchpoints, so customers have been advised to use gloves while filling their car and to wash their hands thoroughly as soon as possible after leaving.
Join the debate
Add your comment
What about driving to keep your car in working order
Going out for a blast on your bike may not be essential but leaving your car standing for weeks on end doesn't do it any good. At the very least I'd run it on the drive for twenty minutes every week or two, or perhaps take the long way home from the supermarket.
Modern cars can take it
I've kept cars off the road for prolonged periods and they don't seem to suffer, especially if you are fortunate enough to have a car small enough to get it into what are laughably termed "garages" these days. Electronic fuel injection and ignition means they normally start up as if they were used yesterday. You just need to remember to look after the battery, brakes and tyres and start it up periodically to let the engine get up to full working temperature. I only used to use my car primarily to go to activities which have been closed down for the forseeable future. I'm going to SORN it and not bother to renew the insurance (it's not worth much) until this is all over, if ever.
Use common sense.
Can I go for a drive in self-isolation? Answer It Isn't Advisable.
Says who? Just wondering why isn't it advisable?
Who would want to be in business or be a politician tasked with organising this mess we find ourselves in, but one of the most frustrating things to me is people who seem to throw common sense straight out of the window. I would have thought going for a drive would be ideal.
Can we just remind ourselves how this virus is being transferred between people?
scotty5 wrote:
"Says who"????. Maybe the vehicle breaks down, perhaps an accident, probably involving other vehicles...what then happens...the emergency services must attend, the vehicle transporter driver has to get into your vehicle and drive it onto his, you may need treated at close quarters by medical staff, maybe go into already stretched hospital, be attended by medics with inadequate (thats you also) PPE, who may be unknowingly carrying the virus, pass it on to you, you take it home, etc, etc.
You would have thought?...a lucid coherent thought has never occurred to you.
Can we just remind ourselves?...remind?...ourselves?.
Get it now, you idiot?.
Also since the relevant
Also I do scan through the previous pages of reviews and news just to re read random stuff as well.