The company in charge of several car dealerships in Oxfordshire has revealed the ‘new normal’ customers can expect as showrooms reopen this week.

Bristol Street Motors runs a Peugeot dealership in Oxford as well as Hyundai and Peugeot ones in Banbury.

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Customers can expect a number of different ways of working including:

  • Staff will have their temperature taken on arrival at work – anyone with a fever will be sent home to self-isolate or be tested for Covid-19 
  • A 'friendly, touch-free greeting' rather than a handshake
  • Social distancing signage in the form of posters and/or floor markings
  • An appointment only system
  • Test drives will be done alone, with sales executives following in a separate vehicle
  • All paperwork will be provided electronically, and payments will only be accepted via bank transfer or debit or credit card
  • New, used and courtesy cars will be locked at all times when not in use and thoroughly sanitised between customers
  • Face masks, single use gloves and hand sanitiser will be available to customers and staff
  • Technicians will thoroughly clean the contact points of a vehicle before and after carrying out work
  • Technicians will wear gloves, masks and use protective coverings while working on the vehicle
  • Service desks will have Perspex screens, as the majority of shops already utilise

Robert Forrester, chief executive of Vertu Motors plc which owns Bristol Street Motors, said: “Across the Group colleagues have been putting significant resource into making sure that our dealerships are safe workplaces, and safe environments for customers. 

“We have been working towards opening for some time, following government advice and the wider motor industry standards, and it is important that customers know what to expect when they visit one of our sites.

“I have personally seen the hard work that has gone into these preparations.  We are delighted to be able to welcome customers back to our dealerships, albeit with a different, safe but always professional and friendly way of working.”