The latest news coming from the government is that the UK will remain on lockdown for at least another three weeks. This news comes after the initial three weeks passed, and there’s every chance that it will get extended yet again. Many of the other countries in Europe that chose to impose quarantine laws before the UK are still yet to return to anywhere near normal.
Despite the entire country being under these lockdown laws for a few weeks, many people are still confused about what you can or can’t do. This stems from terrible communication from government officials. It began before the lockdown was enforced when they said don’t go to pubs, but pubs should stay open. These mixed messages have been continued throughout as lots of people have no idea what they should be doing.
Much of this confusion is directed towards transport. So, to clear up as much confusion as possible, let’s figure out what you can and can’t do with regards to travelling around in the UK:
Can you still travel by public transport?
Trains, buses, trams, and other forms of public transport are still up and running. Most are operating at a reduced timetable to normal, and some stations have been closed during this period. Technically speaking, you can travel via public transport around the UK. However, this is where things get a bit confusing.
If you check on the government page for COVID-19 travel advice, then it doesn’t really say when it’s okay to travel or not. It just says to only do it if you have to. But, what determines if you have to or not?
For many keyworkers and carers, public transport is the only option to get to and from work. So, if you are still working throughout the lockdown, then you can still use public transport as often as required. Just make sure that you wash your hands when you arrive at your destination, and try to wear face masks and gloves while on public transport.
However, it’s generally not recommended that you travel on public transport for any other reason. The only other exception is if you need to go shopping for essential supplies and it’s your only method of getting to the supermarket. Even then, it’s strongly suggested that you try and find alternative ways of travelling to stay away from other people.
You cannot use the train or bus to just travel around at will. Don’t use it to go somewhere to then go for a walk or start exercising – this is not allowed!
Can you still drive?
Yes, you can still drive your car during the coronavirus lockdown. In fact, this is the preferred method of travel as it separates you from other people and limits the amount of contact people have with public places and surfaces.
However, you should still limit your driving as much as possible. The whole point of a lockdown is to stay inside and avoid going out. Only drive if it is absolutely necessary. Again, this applies to people who have to work, as well as people that need to shop for food and essential supplies.
Don’t drive to visit your friends, don’t drive to see a family member, and don’t drive to then go on a run. That’s a big problem many police officers have: too many people are driving to fields and then exercising. Exercise should start at your front door, you can’t drive elsewhere to start your run or walk.
What happens if you don’t follow the rules?
The police have the power to fine you if you are caught breaking any of these rules. Be aware that they are most likely checking number plates and keeping logs of the cars on the roads. If they see yours too often, they can pull you over and demand an explanation.
The same goes for travelling by public transport – police may be at stations to check that the right people are using transport for the right reasons. They can question you and force you to go home if they think you’re not travelling for the right reasons. Fines can also be handed out, so be careful.
In summary, the current UK lockdown restrictions still allow for partial movement via public transport or your car. The main conditions are that you should only travel when absolutely necessary. Travelling to work is acceptable, as is travelling to a supermarket for supplies.
However, it’s recommended that you limit travelling as much as possible unless you’re forced to because of work. Try and shop once a week, maybe twice is it’s absolutely unavoidable.
