Garages across the UK are being advised to communicate with customers that vehicle repair and MOT services will remain open during the latest COVID-19 lockdown restrictions.

Garage management specialist, TechMan, issued the advice amidst concerns that motorists may inadvertently delay or miss servicing schedules and MOTs amid the latest measures.

The new, stricter restrictions imposed on England and Scotland mirror those seen during the first lockdown, but the Government says that MOT services will remain operational, unlike last year when MOT test centres were forced to close their doors, and drivers were granted a six-month MOT exemption from March 30, 2020.

The extension created a spike in the number of vehicles whose MOT expired in H2 last year, effectively doubling the number of tests required in September, October and November.

In the latest lockdown, however, motorists are still required to MOT their vehicles.

Leo Freebairn of TechMan said: “It’s pleasing to see that garage services have once again been permitted to continue operating and we welcome the DVSA’s confirmation that MOT testing will also continue.

“As with everything during this pandemic though, there’s still a lot of confusion and it’s down to garages to proactively communicate what the latest restrictions mean to their customers.

“The message is simple; workshops are permitted to remain open and the DVSA has indicated that there will not be another MOT extension at this time, so motorists must ensure their vehicle is roadworthy with a valid MOT.”

TechMan said its garage management system features tools to send customised text messages and emails to customers to notify them of new lockdown restrictions, as well as booking reminders, quotes and job information.

Freebairn said: “We all know that communication is key to building a strong customer rapport but there’s never been a more important time to go the extra mile by offering your professional expertise and advice during the ongoing pandemic.”