You should still stay at home as much as possible. But if you are
leaving home for one of the reasons the Government has given,
remember that any vehicle which hasn’t been on the road for some
time will need a thorough check to ensure it is roadworthy and
safe.
, Highways England Head of Road Safety, said:
We should only be leaving home for the reasons the Government
has set out – and we want those journeys to be safe ones. If
you haven’t driven for a few weeks you might feel a bit strange
getting back behind the wheel, and your car will need a few
simple checks, like your tyres, oil, water, lights and fuel.
As our teams have been able to continue working, while
following social distancing guidelines, the layout of some
roads have slightly changed.
Everything will not be the same as the last time you were on
the road, so please ensure you and your vehicle are prepared.
You should still stay at home as much as possible. The reasons
you may leave home include:
- for work, where you cannot work from home
- going to shops that are permitted to be open – to get things
like food and medicine
- to exercise or spend time outdoors
- any medical need, including to donate blood, avoid injury or
illness, escape risk of harm, or to provide care or to help a
vulnerable person
Here is Highways England’s advice for drivers:
Check tyres
Prior to setting off on a long/significant journey, check your
tyre pressures are suitable for the load and the condition of
your tyres, including the spare. Look out for cuts or wear and
make sure the tyres have a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm, which is
the legal limit.
Check engine oil
Use your dipstick to check oil regularly and before any long
journey, and top up if needed. Take your car back to the garage
if you’re topping up more than usual.
Check water
To ensure you have good visibility, always keep your screen wash
topped up so you can clear debris or dirt off your windscreen.
Check lights
If your indicators, hazard lights, headlights, fog lights,
reverse lights or brake lights are not functioning properly, you
are putting yourself and your family at risk. In addition, light
malfunctions can be a reason for your vehicle to fail its MoT.
Check fuel
Before setting out, check your fuel levels and make sure you have
enough to get to your destination.
More tips, including ‘how to
videos’, are available online.
Real-time traffic information for England’s motorways and major A
roads is available through the Traffic England website,
local and national radio travel bulletins, electronic road signs
and mobile apps. Local Twitter services are also available
on Highways England’s website.
