With COVID-19 hitting the world hard, many changes have happened in the UK that directly affect YOU as a driver.
By now, we are all fully aware of the drastic impact COVID-19 is having across the world. In the UK, our NHS staff and key workers are ploughing on tirelessly to keep us safe and our country moving. From all of the team at Pendle Lease we want to say a HUGE thank you!!
However, because of all the chaos, other important news items are slipping the net. Some of these are extremely relevant to you as a driver, especially if you live in and around London. So, we wanted to cover a few to ensure you are up to date.
MOT 6 Month Extensions
With the UK Government forcing many non-essential businesses to close, unfortunately this has meant that a lot of MOT and repair garages have closed. Add to this the fact that only essential travel is permitted, going to get your car MOT’d is not the top of the list right now. Additionally, the inability to order new parts in due to import restrictions and general stock shortages could mean that, if repair work is needed, it would not be possible to carry out repairs.
What have the Government done about it?
If your MOT is due on or after Monday 30 March 2020, the government are automatically extending your MOT for an extra 6 months. This includes all cars, lights vans, motorcycles and other light vehicles. This applies to all vehicles, including those that need their first MOT.
What do you need to do?
In short, nothing! The government are dealing with everything their end to extend your MOT. However, you still have a duty of care over yourself and other road users to make sure your car is in a safe a road worthy condition. Remember to regularly check your tyre tread, water, oil and do your best to maintain your car.
Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) and Congestion Charge Suspended
In London, public transport, including the tube, has seen a drastic reduction in service. As such, many of our great key workers are opting to drive in. But there was a problem… they were being charged £14.50 a day for the ULEZ charge and £11 a day for Congestion Charge! This was quickly adding up..
What has the Mayor done?
As of last week, the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, announced that he was temporarily suspending the ULEZ and Congestion charge in order to allow key workers to commute to and from work. He stressed that this is for key workers, and that non-key workers should not exploit this. But, to clarify, it does apply to everyone.
What do you need to do?
Again, nothing. All this has been done automatically.
Using your car during the COVID-19 lockdown?
A very important question for many – can you use your car and drive during this lockdown? As per the government’s instructions, we are only permitted to travel for absolutely essential journeys: for medication/medical needs, for food and essential supplies, to and from work but ONLY if you cannot work from home.
Currently, you may use your car for all of these things.
However, please really consider if your journey is truly necessary. The #StayHomeSaveLives campaign is going strong online and it could not be more important.
Stay save in this uncertain times!
