Advice for fleets during Lockdown 3.0

Advice for fleets during Lockdown 3.0

Posted by

Kevin Blackmore

January 2021

With the country now in the throes of a third lockdown due to the Coronavirus pandemic with a strict ‘Stay at home’ message from the Government, most company fleets are operating at a much-reduced capacity with vehicles standing idle as employees work from home.

Following the national lockdown announced on January 4, the advice from Government is to only leave home for work purposes where it is unreasonable for you to do your job from home.

MOTs and servicing

Unlike in the first national lockdown back in March last year, MOT centres are remaining open so that vital work can be carried out.

Service maintenance and repair (SMR) services are also open during the third lockdown, alongside petrol stations, motorway service areas, car parks, automatic but not manual car washes, bicycle shops and taxi services.

Our advice is to ensure all vehicles continue to be serviced in line with manufacturer guidelines to ensure that warranties are not invalidated. All older vehicles that require an MOT should be booked in line with their projected test date.

Vehicle deliveries

Whilst car showrooms will be closed as they don’t count as essential retail locations, most dealers are continuing to trade online and collection and deliveries are currently operating as planned. However, due to the ongoing pandemic, there is the possibility of delays or reduced service levels.

Meanwhile, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency is reminding all vehicle operators about the importance of vehicle cleanliness and ventilation when presenting vehicles for annual MOT tests and has issued guidance on keeping transport clean.

Guidance on wearing face coverings and working safely in vehicles has also been updated.

Advice to drivers

Businesses which operate essential services such as delivery and service fleets owe a duty of care to their drivers. And a key element of driver safety is to provide information about social distancing, regular hand washing and disinfecting vehicles to reduce the risk of infection.

Advice to drivers could include some or all of the following:

  • Keep your distance and maintain a two-metre social distance from others whenever possible.
  • Wear a mask covering your nose and mouth and, if available, disposable gloves in areas where you come into contact with others.
  • Wash or disinfect your hands as handwashing kills the virus, so remember to wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Antibacterial wipes or gel will also allow you to disinfect your hands quickly and easily.
  • Disinfect high-touch areas with a focus on door handles, steering wheels, gear sticks and other high-touch areas.
  • Reducing occupancy within a vehicle reduces the chances of infection.
  • Promote contactless payment when making payments to reduce the risk of passing on or contracting coronavirus.
  • Use a fuel card where possible, such as those offered by our Fuel Management solution, as it removes the need to handle cash when filling up.

View our latest COVID-19 guidance


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