TOCs: scrap 2m rule, drop 'avoid public transport' message, Govt should fund rail until Sept 2021

[JamesT]

Guidance isn't enforceable, so people are at (legal) liberty to disregard it. The question is whether it counts as a meeting of 2 or more people indoors, which as the definition of "indoors" being used is "subject to the smoking ban" I would argue that since the last rule change it is (but probably wasn't before).

Though for at least the instructor, it's in the course of their work which was a fairly wide get-out clause for many situations.

 

[Bikeman78]

Guidance isn't enforceable, so people are at (legal) liberty to disregard it. The question is whether it counts as a meeting of 2 or more people indoors, which as the definition of "indoors" being used is "subject to the smoking ban" I would argue that since the last rule change it is (but probably wasn't before).

I would like to know the science behind the idea that it's okay to sit in a car for one or two hours one metre away from someone but it's not okay to sit in a train for the same length of time. Let's not forget that the driving instructor will be touching all the controls between lessons. You'll have a hard job convincing me that driving lessons are okay but public transport is not.

 

[Killingworth]

Are we sure these are not rumours put about by an industry that has found itself badly on the back foot? Barely a single car has come off the production lines for months - so what is there to sell?

I suspect there will be fields and airfields full of stock piled new cars just waiting for aerial photographers to picture before sale! There normally are large numbers on South Humberside within sight of the M18 and M18 and at North Killingholme. Presumably there are in many other places across the UK. Plus the dealers stocks of pre-used cars.

Those wanting a new car should shop around using comparison websites as there are likely to be some very good deals available to shift lots of old and new stock. Just another side effect of COVID - and a digression too far from this rail thread!

 

[jkkne]

However, driving tests are still currently suspended, so you can do all the learning you like but you won't be able to drive by yourself which stops it being useful as a public transport alternative.

A neighbour who works for Greggs has just had their driving test.

Greggs being a food production company fall under the essential worker guidelines, where there's a will there's a way I guess!

 

[yorksrob]

Perhaps NR might have to drop some of the rental charges on their station lets in the medium term. Maybe this will allow more low cost outlets such as Greggs in (although Wakefield Westgate already has one).

 

[Ianno87]

Perhaps NR might have to drop some of the rental charges on their station lets in the medium term. Maybe this will allow more low cost outlets such as Greggs in (although Wakefield Westgate already has one).

As does London Bridge, Manchester Piccadilly (just outside) and Leeds (I think)

 

[Bletchleyite]

I would like to know the science behind the idea that it's okay to sit in a car for one or two hours one metre away from someone but it's not okay to sit in a train for the same length of time. Let's not forget that the driving instructor will be touching all the controls between lessons. You'll have a hard job convincing me that driving lessons are okay but public transport is not.

The difference is that one contributes to the economy more than the other. But I wasn't talking effect on COVID, I was purely talking the legal situation as it stands.

 

[yorkie]

We're straying from the thread title and we already have many other threads to discuss various other matters; for any other topic not already covered by an existing thread, a new thread can be created.

You can of course continue to discuss the 2m rule here:

Is it time to relax the 2m social distancing guideline? (WHO guidance is 1m)

Yes the balance. I see cases of people flaunting the rules for no benefit but for themselves and they do it in the belief that it won't hurt them - selfish. I think we need to relax lockdown as much as we dare. i am horrified that advice is to avoid public transport as this will make the roads...

www.railforums.co.uk

and the effect of long term social distancing on public transport here

Long term social distancing: Impact on public life & public transport?

Leons was open at London Bridge yesterday. I could not see if Pret were open or not; my understanding is that they have opened a few branches in London

www.railforums.co.uk

If there are any further developments, or if anyone has anything they wish to add, please click the report button and let us know, and we will consider reopening the thread.