Vehicle retail, service workshops and parts sales have not yet been declared an essential service and so must close when the country goes to level four according to the Motor Trade Association.
The organisation is however seeking clarification, believing the trade will be essential to many during the Covid-19 crisis.
Greig Epps, advocacy and strategy manager says they are lobbying the Ministry of Transport and have been in touch with the office of Transport Minister Phil Twyford to seek clarification on the issue and push for inclusion of the sector
“We have certainly got lots of members asking, ‘am I an essential service, I am the only garage for miles around’,” Epps says.
“We are trying to keep that conversation open with the government.”
He notes members have contracts to service emergency vehicles that will need to be fulfilled, healthcare workers now unable to take public transport will require parts and service for their vehicles, and family vehicles being used to collect supplies still need to be safe.
He suggests even workshops attached to a service station – which are allowed to be open – will need to close.
Working on vehicles without technically opening the doors could also be an issue, as staff on route may be questioned by authorities as to why they are travelling.
He notes the legislation around what is an essential service is a little ‘hodge-podge’, and part of the process will be seeking clarification.
The United States Department of Homeland Security recently declared automotive service and parts as an essential service during COVID-19 response.
