Drivers in England are being urged to carry out a five-point check on their vehicles if they are using them for the first time in several weeks following the easing of lockdown rules.<\/p>\n
With the UK Government lifting restrictions and encouraging<\/a> those who can\u2019t work from home to return to work, Highways England<\/a> says drivers should check tyres, engine oil, water, lights and fuel levels before setting out on any journeys.<\/p>\n \u201cWe should only be leaving home for the reasons the Government has set out \u2013 and we want those journeys to be safe ones,\u201d said Richard Leonard, Highways England Head of Road Safety.<\/p>\n \u201cAs our teams have been able to continue working, while following social distancing guidelines, the layout of some roads have slightly changed,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n \u201cEverything will not be the same as the last time you were on the road, so please ensure you and your vehicle are prepared.\u201d<\/p>\n So far during the lockdown, Highways England has seen a drop in traffic flow of up to around 85 per cent at weekends.<\/p>\n Here is Highways England\u2019s advice for drivers:<\/strong><\/p>\n Check tyres<\/strong><\/p>\n Prior to setting off on a long\/significant journey, check your tyre pressures are suitable for the load and the condition of your tyres, including the spare. Look out for cuts or wear and make sure the tyres have a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm, which is the legal limit.<\/p>\n Check engine oil<\/strong><\/p>\n Use your dipstick to check oil regularly and before any long journey, and top up if needed. Take your car back to the garage if you\u2019re topping up more than usual.<\/p>\n Check water<\/strong><\/p>\n To ensure you have good visibility, always keep your screen wash topped up so you can clear debris or dirt off your windscreen.<\/p>\n Check lights<\/strong><\/p>\n If your indicators, hazard lights, headlights, fog lights, reverse lights or brake lights are not functioning properly, you are putting yourself and your family at risk. In addition, light malfunctions can be a reason for your vehicle to fail its MoT.<\/p>\n