Coronavirus Update
The COVID-19 pandemic has escalated into an unprecedented worldwide crisis and continues to impact dramatically on all our lives and business activities.
As an essential industry, playing our part in keeping the transport sector moving, Allports Group remains open for business and we’re working on many levels to support all our clients as needed, albeit with slightly reduced hours in certain areas.
If you need us, please don’t hesitate to get in touch – either by phone or email to enquiries@allportsgroup.co.uk.
Our current opening hours are listed below, but these may be subject to change so please check before travelling to one of our sites.
Lichfield Site Opening Hours
Workshop & Parts 5:30am to 11:30pm – Monday to Friday (Saturday by appointment)
Bodyshop & SignTek 7am to 5pm – Monday to Friday
Group Sales 8am to 6pm – Monday to Friday
Allports Rental 5am to 9pm – Monday to Friday
Stoke Site Opening Hours
Our Stoke site is open 6am to 7pm Monday to Friday, and on Saturdays from 6am to 11am.
Emergency Roadside Assistance
We are currently operating an Emergency Roadside Assistance & Recovery Service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Should you require Emergency Assistance, please call 01543 420120 and speak to a member of our Emergency Team.
Useful Links & Resources
There are numerous temporary changes currently affecting our industry. We’ve put together a comprehensive list of useful links to the latest updates from the government and industry, where you can find lots more information on the topics listed.
UPDATE 11/05/20: Coronavirus outbreak FAQs: what you can and can’t do
New government updates effective Wednesday 13th May 2020.
Special vehicle approval tests
New government guidance on specialist vehicle approval tests during the coronavirus outbreak.
Set up email alerts to get updates from the Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).
The latest news and updates from the DVSA covering a range of temporary changes.
Government updates on car, van or motorcycle MOT expiry dates. MOTs due from 30th March 2020 will be extended by 6 months, but the vehicle must be kept safe to drive. There’s also information about what to do if your vehicle tax and MOT both expire in April 2020.
Advice on using transport or working in the transport sector during the coronavirus outbreak.
Updates on the temporary relaxation of the EU and GB drivers’ hours rules for those carrying goods by road.
Approved tachograph centre advice
Forms, guidance and notices about setting up and running an approved tachograph centre (ATC).
Approved tachograph centre notices
Government updates on periodic inspections, initial calibrations, the extension of current training certificate expiry dates, periodic checks, DVSA examiner visits and more.
Social distancing in the workplace
The latest guidance on social distancing in the workplace for the transport and logistics sector. The issue of double or multi-occupancy vehicles is covered in the ‘outdoor businesses’ section, and Public Health England suggests this can read across all transport industry sectors. It states that: “If workers have to share enclosed spaces such as the cabs of vehicles, they should keep the window open for ventilation and be careful to avoid touching their face at all times. On leaving the enclosed space, they should wash their hands with soap and water for 20 seconds or use hand sanitiser.”
LOLER/PSSR update
Due to COVID-19, the FTA have sought some form of relaxation of the expiry dates for LOLER and PSSR certificates from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). So far, the HSE insists it will not allow extensions/exemptions, as the provision for certification remains in place with the service providers.
Freightlink has set up a dedicated Operator Update page on its website to keep operators updated; they advise that the situation remains incredibly fluid.
Driving to, from or through France
French authorities have introduced a new form which is required to enter French territory. All travellers, including truck drivers and those carrying any type of goods who are driving to/from or transiting through France, are now required to present this to confirm their trip meets the criteria for essential travel. For employees, this form replaces the other two documents that were previously required. Self-employed drivers are still advised to complete this form in addition to the new form.
Due to the reduced number of staff on site, the DVLA is prioritising its work and services to focus on key workers. Anyone directly involved in the nation’s response to Covid-19 as a key worker is directed to contact the DVLA using the link above, should they have any issues.
The National Traffic Operations Centre (NTOC) has released a live Motorway Service Area (MSA) status page on the Traffic England website, updated daily.
College of Policing advice
The College of Policing have issued clear advice to police that all logistics/supply chain vehicles and workers should be permitted to perform their business without any police action. This includes empty running, and additional guidance is provided if a vehicle is found to be empty. The document covers all supply chains (not just food and medicine), advises that fitters and technicians etc should also be permitted to travel to work unimpeded.
EU Drivers’ Hours update for Northern Ireland
In response to unprecedented pressures on local and national supply chains, the Department for Infrastructure Northern Ireland has introduced a temporary and limited relaxation of the enforcement of EU drivers’ hours rules in Northern Ireland. It has also introduced a temporary and limited relaxation of the enforcement of NI drivers’ hours rules. All those wishing to make use of the relaxation should read and follow the requirements of the full notification.
A Final Note
Due to current circumstances and the pace of development, the frequency of these notifications will be reviewed as the situation unfolds. In the meantime, we hope you find these links useful.
Please note that this information is provided for you as a guide only, and should not be solely relied upon to make any decisions. You should seek clarification on any matter you are unsure of from the relevant agency or authority.
