National lockdown restrictions are now in place across the country to control a new variant of Covid-19.
People in lockdown must not leave or be outside their home or garden except if they have a ‘reasonable excuse’.
Those breaking the rules can be given a Fixed Penalty Notice of £200 for the first offence. It doubles for further offences up to a maximum of £6,400.
People are still allowed to leave home for work purposes, where they cannot work from home, and can visit local shops that are permitted to stay open during lockdown.
Motorway services and lockdown
Motorway service stations are not affected by lockdown restrictions. They remain open across the country, 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year.
This is because, says motorway services provider Welcome Break, they “provide an essential service for critical drivers who need to be on the road and require a safe place to stop, rest and get fuel”.
By law, motorway services are required to offer toilets, fuel and the ability to buy snacks and a hot drink.
Motorists are, however, advised to ‘limit the time’ they spend in service stations.
How to be Covid-secure at motorway services
Motorists using motorway services are required to use a mask or face covering at all times except when seated.
If they are using seating areas, they should register with the NHS track and trace app – this is mandatory for those staying longer than 15 minutes.
All motorway service stations clearly display the QR code to scan throughout their buildings.
Most have also set up one-way systems and installed hand sanitisers.
Roadchef advises there may be limits of the number of customers allowed in its buildings at any one time.
Welcome Break says drive-thru outlets will remain open during lockdown, but seating areas will be closed. Seating areas will remain open in the main amenity buildings.
Moto is encouraging contactless payments wherever possible and adds face masks are compulsory for both customers and colleagues.
Extra Services asks those showing symptoms of Covid-19 not to enter its premises.
Motorway services and Brexit
Many motorway service stations are being used as Brexit Document Advice Points.
These allow hauliers to receive in-person advice on the new rules and documents needed to move goods between the UK and EU which came into force on 1 January 2021.
Hauliers can receive full advice on what they need to do, including how to use the new ‘check an HGV is ready to cross the border’ service.
The government has published a map of haulier advice sites, which are fully signposted at all locations.
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