Are petrol stations open in lockdown? Here’s where you can fill up

DRIVERS can still fill up their cars up at petrol stations during the third lockdown.

England is in the middle of a national lockdown amid rising coronavirus cases and new mutant strains.

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All businesses that are deemed non-essential are closed and schools will stay shut until at least February half term.

Brits have also been told to stay home and only make essential journeys such as for food or exercise.

You are still going to need fuel for those essential trips though, so petrol stations have been allowed to remain open.

They are classed as essential businesses and this means you can also stock up on items such as milk and toiletries from your local petrol station.

Opening times may vary and you will need to wear a mask inside and observe social distancing rules.

The government has also advised washing your hands when you exit and re-enter your vehicle and you may need to check-in on the NHS Covid app if you go inside to pay.

Customers are also encouraged to wear gloves when handling the pump.

These will often be supplied at the petrol station and can be thrown away after they are used.

Some petrol stations may let you pay with a card at the pump.

Major brands such as BP, Esso and Shell also offer a free app where you simply enter the pump number before you start and click and pay from the safety of your own car once you are done.

Here are the policies of the main petrol station brands where you can fill-up.

BP

BP has more than 1,200 petrol stations across the UK, with many open 24 hours.

Use BP’s locator to find your nearest station and check opening times.

Petrol pumps, door handles and PIN terminals are disinfected regularly and customers are encouraged to use contactless payments rather than cash.

You can also pay for your petrol at the pump using the BPme app.

The app can be downloaded for free on an Apple or Android smartphone and you can even earn points towards Amazon or M&S vouchers when you fill-up.

Shoppers can also get food such as sandwiches, milk and bread delivered from participating BP stations using Deliveroo.

Esso

Esso has more than 1,000 petrol stations across the UK and you can check opening times and find your nearest using its locator tool.

Regular cleaning is taking place at forecourts and contactless payments are encouraged.

You can also download the free Esso app on your smartphone to pay from the comfort of your own car.

Esso app users can earn Nectar points on their spending.

Shell

There are more than 1,000 shell petrol stations across the UK.

Most are open for 24 hours a day but check your nearest using the Shell station locator.

Sites are cleaned regularly and some will let you pay at the night hatch so you don’t have to go inside.

Contactless payments are advised but you can also pay at the pump using the Shell app.

You can download the app for free on your smartphone and points can be earned including 10% off hot drinks or food.

Shell groceries and household goods can also be delivered through Deliveroo if your local station is signed up.

Search the Deliveroo app to see if Shell comes up under your postcode.

Supermarket petrol stations

You can fill-up as part of your shopping trip as supermarket petrol stations are also allowed to remain open.

Opening times vary depending where you live.

Asda has its own petrol station finder and Sainsbury’s will let you search for stores with fuel using its locator tool.

You can also find stores with a petrol station using the Tesco or Morrisons locators.

Motorway services

Motorway service stations are still open during lockdown but may have reduced facilities.

All are still providing fuel, food, free short-stay parking and toilets.

Food can be eaten on site at motorway service areas but not on A-road areas.

You will still need to wear a face mask when going inside and may have to queue at busy times.

Find a motorway service area near you.

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This post first appeared on thesun.co.uk