Scottish Government urged to leave automated car washes open
The Petrol Retailers Association (PRA) and Car Wash Association (CWA) continue to lobby the Scottish Government regarding the closure of automated car washes.
PRA and sister association Car Wash Association have been campaigning hard with the relevant government departments to highlight the facts that Automated Car Washes (ACW) including rollovers, conveyors and self-serve jet washes offer a contact-free clean.
This contrasts with the higher-risk of COVID-19 transmission at manual Hand Car Washes sites where often no PPE is available, social-distancing is impractical, especially when valeting car interiors, and in many cases, cash is the only payment method accepted.
As England entered the third lockdown, the guidance states that Automated Car Washes will be able to continue operating while Hand Car Washes have been required to close. However, under current restrictions in Scotland, all car washes must close.
The associations have previously written to all four governments in the United Kingdom to highlight that “car washes operate an essential service for the purposes of ensuring the roadworthiness and safety of vehicles on the road generally”.
Brian Madderson, Chairman of the CWA, commented: “A vehicle with clean windows and mirrors definitely improves road safety, especially in these dark and dirty winter months. This is so important for essential workers, including NHS and all other medical staff.”
Discuss
All car washes can remain open in Scotland I have emails from my local council telling me that I should not be closed.....I will receive no funding....but customers should not come to get there car washed, how crazy this all is
Iv had a car wash in the area for over 25yrs and this is the worst its ever been ! No funding from the government/council this time as we are allowed to open in scotland this is what the local authority have said ....I can advise that at present car washes are permitted to remain open. The current restrictions only permit essential travel, therefore, the question of whether someone travelling to a car wash would be the responsibility of that person making the journey.
How are we meant to survive sales have halved since last year.. Help