The country has entered its first week of lockdown to stop the spread of coronavirus - but are you allowed to drive?
This week, the UK government ordered a nationwide shutdown in a bid to battle Covid-1 9.
Millions of people have been told to stay at home and only leave once a day to exercise or get basic necessities.
Can I drive during the lockdown?
There are no specific rules for driving during the lockdown.
However, in his statement broadcast to the nation, Prime Minister Boris Johnson listed four reasons people could leave the house.
These are:
Shopping for basic necessities, as infrequently as possible.
One form of exercise a day - for example a run, walk, or cycle - alone or with members of your household.
Any medical need, to provide care or to help a vulnerable person.
- Travelling to and from work, but only where this is absolutely necessary and cannot be done from home.
Therefore, you should only be using your car for these essential reasons only.
This could include going to the supermarket or pharmacy for groceries or medicine. You should do this as infrequently as possible.
If you are vulnerable or live with someone at risk, you are advised to use home delivery services.
If you are a key worker, you can use your car to travel to work.
Driving is also permitted for key workers to take their children to school, or if the students are classed as “vulnerable”.
Using a car also applies to children whose parents do not live together, allowing for them to be moved between homes.
You can also drive for medical reasons, whether that be for yourself or caring for a vulnerable person.
However, if you do drive it is important you abide by social distancing rules.
The government has banned gathering of more than two people and this also applies to using a car.
Essential travel does not include visits to second homes, holiday houses, camp sites, caravan parks for people to self-isolate in.
Are the roads and motorways closed?
All roads and motorways across the UK are still open during lockdown.
It is important to remember that driving unnecessarily puts yourself at risk of breakdown and causes extra strain on recovery services.
Are garages and petrol stations still open?
Garages and petrol stations are permitted to stay open during the outbreak.
Key workers need to go to work and also get fuel so cars are still needed on the roads.
Most garages are still offering services but will practice social distancing - such as zero-contact and standing two metres apart.
Those using petrol stations are also encouraged to use pay-at-pump stations.
Can I do driving lessons or get an MOT?
You will not be able to do driving lessons during the lockdown.
Theory tests have also been suspended for one month with driving tests up to 3 months due to coronavirus.
However, you can still do a test if you are a critical worker, such as health care or education.
MOT tests for cars, motorbikes and light vans are continuing to go ahead.
Due to key workers relying on their vehicles to get to work, they need to be roadworthy - and MOTs are still a legal requirement in England, Scotland and Wales.
However, they have been suspended for HGVs, trailers and public service vehicles.
How long will the restrictions last?
The restrictions will last for three weeks from Monday March 23.
After this period of time, the government will review whether the lockdown has eased the spread of coronavirus and if it needs to be extended.
If there is no improvement to the number of confirmed cases the lockdown could remain for longer.
