Travel from England to Scotland

SkintStudent999

Can anybody clarify the latest rules for me, as I'm getting a bit confused 😕
During a (legal, non rules breaking) weekend trip to Scotland last year, my car broke down and I left it there with a friend to sort out, with the aim of collecting it the next weekend. I couldn't stay in Scotland to wait for it to be repaired, as I had to get back to England once my visit was over so I took a train home. Not a problem..... Or so I thought! Lockdown came in force and I've been without my car almost 5 months now, and I don't know what to do. I'm still paying for it, but it's just parked at my friend's house whilst I'm without a car. Does anybody know if its allowed for me to either travel up by train and collect the car and drive back the same day? Or could I drive up with someone from my support bubble here and collect the car, but this would possibly involve an overnight stay.

I know my issue might seem trivial, I know I'm lucky to still be healthy and have a car, especially with what other people are going through. 

kaMelo

Scotland has imposed quite strict travel restrictions, basically do not travel unless you fit one of the exemptions which picking up a car is not one of them.

The information is here;
https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-on-travel-and-transport/#exceptions

MalMonroe

It's not really confusing at all. Mainland Scotland, like mainland England, is in lockdown. Even if you could collect your car, where would you go in it when you got it back? My own car's been stuck outside my house for months as I'm in the 'vulnerable' group who has to self isolate. 

You're not missing anything. Do yourselves and others a favour and stay at home. 

Torry_Quine

It's not complicated at all. You shouldn't travel into Scotland unless essential and getting your car isn't.

SkintStudent999

I appreciate the answers and sorry if I sounded a bit thick or offended anybody. I'm not going to break the rules in place, which is why I asked for some info. I'd always double check anything on the government website first, but I just thought asking would help as well. Previously, the rules have differed slightly for each of the countries and I just needed some clarity. I have stuck to all the rules throughout the pandemic, as far as I know. But I do sometimes 'need' my car, although others may argue whether this is a need, want or a desire. I've explained why below. Although I am fortunate to work from home, I am a key worker and I do have to sometimes travel for work and this involves 2 or sometimes 3 bus journeys each way. I live in a village and my nearest shop is around 40 minutes walk away. Before anybody comments, this is for essential grocery shopping and I try to shop online as much as I can. I am happy walking to/from the shop. This is also next to my nursery, and once again, I'm more than happy doing this walk with the kids twice a day, even in the bad weather. I did this before pandemic anyway. I wear my mask, social distance and use hand gel/wash hands. If I ever feel the bus is too full, I get off and wait for the next one. I leave stores if they are too busy. 
Like many, many others, I haven't socialised since this all happened, I am fine with this and would never use the car for this purpose until life gets back to normal. The main reason I 'need' my car, is that my sister died during the pandemic and left 2 small children. They don't have a father and are being cared for within our family. I share responsibility, however their other residence involves 4 buses each way. So this means I spend hours travelling to collect them and bring them back, plus with my own small children in tow. This is made much much more difficult on school days or in an emergency. This is my main reason for asking about the car, as driving would be permitted for childcare responsibilities. Although I know travelling to collect a car to carry out the duties would not be permitted.

Again, if I angered or annoyed anybody, I'm sorry  but I was just looking for some friendly advice. I know it's a rough time for us all, especially for those who have lost someone close. If covid hadn't happened, I would still have my sister and my entire question would be irrelevant. Maybe my best option would be to hire a car when I need it.
Thanks and take care 

sheramber

You could look into getting the car transported down tom you. There are companies who do that.
I would think that would be allowed as it would be work for whoever was doing it.
It would also be safer for you than travelling yourself.

SkintStudent999

That sounds like a great idea Sheramber. I didn't even think there was anything like this that existed but I guess there must be now I think about it. That would save me a lot of bother and hassle, plus would be safer. I'll look into this and see what I can find. Thanks for the advice 

mattyprice4004

MalMonroe said:

It's not really confusing at all. Mainland Scotland, like mainland England, is in lockdown. Even if you could collect your car, where would you go in it when you got it back? My own car's been stuck outside my house for months as I'm in the 'vulnerable' group who has to self isolate. 

You're not missing anything. Do yourselves and others a favour and stay at home. 

This may come as a total surprise, but food doesn’t miraculously appear on supermarket shelves and police don’t walk the 10+ miles from the village I live in to the station in the next town. 

He could have been getting lifts for the last few months and perhaps the circumstances have changed?

In short, just because you don’t need to drive doesn’t mean no one does. I’ve racked up around 20,000 miles since March 2020 in an effort to keep life ‘cushty’ for those who have the luxury of being able to hang up the keys all year...

silvercar

SkintStudent999 said:

That sounds like a great idea Sheramber. I didn't even think there was anything like this that existed but I guess there must be now I think about it. That would save me a lot of bother and hassle, plus would be safer. I'll look into this and see what I can find. Thanks for the advice 

I would post on the transport sub board, to see if anyone has any idea of the cheapest way of doing this.
My initial thoughts would be those trade plate drivers who are used to one way long distance routes; I don’t know whether they would be interested as this isn’t a trade plate run, but I don’t see why not.
Second thought is if you are a member of AA/ RAC/ green flag, as they may be able to offer this service.