DRIVERS can now head to hand car washes after lockdown restrictions were lifted.
Non-essential businesses like shops hospitality for outdoor dining were allowed to reopen on Monday April 12, and that includes car washes too.
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The latest reopening is the second stage of the government’s roadmap for getting the country back to normal since the coronavirus pandemic.
Brits can get their wheels clean again at hand wash facilities across England, and automatic car washes too.
It’s the first time hand car washes have been allowed to open since January when the third lockdown began and the same goes for hairdressers, pubs and other businesses considered non-essential.
Are car washes open in lockdown?
Automatic car washes have stayed open during the third lockdown – they have been allowed to operate despite restrictions.
But manual car washes like your local hand car wash had to remain closed while stay at home rules were in place and non-essential retail has been shut.
Now, both manual car washes and hand car wash locations are allowed to open from April 12.
They have not been allowed to open sooner because they have a higher risk of Covid-19 transmission than automatic facilities.
Some mobile car valets have still been allowed to work during lockdown since January.
Due to the nature of their work, they can come to you and clean your car in your drive and then leave again.
They can work under the list of “tradesmen” which are permitted to continue work for certain duties.
Do I need to get my car washed?
By law, you have to be able to see out of your windscreen and your number plates must be visible.
So with the restrictions changing, you’ll easily be able to keep your car clean and roadworthy.
The government is hopeful that places like car washes won’t have to close again.
The cautious approach taken to the last lockdown along with vaccinations should ensure the reopening of the country is irreversible.
What about car repairs and MOTs during lockdown?
There are other ways you must keep your car roadworthy by law, and most garages have been open and operating normally during lockdown.
Despite the restrictions in place since January, vehicle repair shops and MOT service centres have been allowed to remain open.
And it is the law to have an up to date MOT for your car.
Demand for some MOT centres is high so it’s always best to check and phone ahead with your local garage to see if you can make an appointment.
Non-essential shops can reopen again, and boozers and restaurants can serve punters outside.
Shaggy-haired Brits can finally get their locks chopped and work on getting into shape as gyms reopen.
More restrictions are set to be lifted on May 17 in the next stage of lockdown easing.
