Scottish Government says dealers can continue click and collect car sales

Covid-19 guidelines in Scotland has changed in order to give car dealers the freedom to continue with click and collect sales. 

Last week, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said shops in Level 4 areas would only be allowed to offer click and collect for essential goods as part of a new plan to halt the spread of the coronavirus.

At the time non-essential retailers were limited to clothing and footwear stores, homeware/garden centre/plant nurseries, baby equipment shops, electrical shops (including repairs), key cutting and shoe repairs and bookstores. 

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However, following lobbying by the Scottish Motor Trade Association (SMTA), the Government in Scotland has now added car dealers to its list of non-essential retailers. 

In a statement on its website, the SMTA said it was "delighted" to have received written confirmation from the Scottish Government regarding click and collect.

The change means outdoor car lots will only be able to open in order to allow collection of a purchased vehicle or for delivery or collection of a vehicle for repair, service or MoT.  

Sue Robinson, Chief Executive of the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA), which represents franchised car and commercial vehicle retailers in the UK, said: “Franchised dealers have demonstrated ‘click and collect’ and deliveries can be performed in a Covid-secure way protecting the health of colleagues and customers.

“This will allow our members to continue to offer a safe option to all those that need to buy a car during these challenging times”.

This update is now reflected in the official Government guidance online, found here.