Car dealerships in England are set to open on June 1, throwing open doors which have remained closed for more than two months. Prime Minister Boris Johnson made the announcement this week, giving dealers the opportunity to trade fully once again – though many have been selling cars online and via click-and-collect services for much of the lockdown period.
But even though dealers are allowed to open, what is being done to ensure customer safety?
Certificate
All dealers are going to be required to display a safety certificate which signifies that they are complying with government guidance on managing the risk of coronavirus.
If you’re planning on visiting a dealership after June 1, make sure that this certificate is being displayed. If you’re worried, give the dealers a call ahead of your visit to make sure that they’re complying with the latest measures.
Social distancing
As with all other aspects of businesses operating during the coronavirus pandemic, car dealerships will need to enforce strict social distancing policies. It means that signs will be put up to remind all in the dealership to remain two metres apart, and walkways will be marked out through the site too.
One-way systems will also be introduced, and all the vehicles in the showroom will remain locked to stop people from entering them.
Cleanliness
Some of the aspects of a dealership that you might have been used to are being removed to ensure cleanliness levels are kept to a maximum. Magazines, books and brochures will all be removed to avoid transmission, and refreshments won’t be served either.
Hand sanitiser will be available throughout the dealership, too.
Test drives
Testing a car out is a huge part of purchasing a new vehicle. From June 1, test drives will be permitted – but only solo ones. That means you’ll be able to take out a vehicle to try it, but the dealer won’t accompany you.
Trade plates must be used, and dealers must have the correct insurance policies in place – so speak to them beforehand to make sure that the right coverage is in place. The car will also be extensively sanitised both before and after each test drive.
Click-and-collect
Of course, if you don’t want to go to a dealership to buy a car then there are still plenty of options available. Click-and-collect services are being offered by many dealers, allowing you to choose your car online, contact the dealer for more information before placing an order and collecting the car at the dealership under social distancing measures.
In addition, a lot of dealers and manufacturers are now offering completely contactless purchasing. Order and pay online, and then the car will be delivered directly to your home.