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Government issues Covid safety reminder ahead of Jubilee bank holiday weekend

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson - 31st May 2022

The Government has posted some Covid safety advice ahead of the Jubilee weekend, urging people to ‘protect yourself and those around you’ from the virus.

With a four-day bank holiday weekend on the horizon, thousands of Brits will be travelling to visit friends and family.

From street parties to parades to concerts, the nation will be out in force to celebrate 70 years of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign.

But the Department of Health and Social Care has issued a five-step guide to keeping the Jubilee celebrations Covid-safe.

Read more: Manchester-based online fast fashion retailer Missguided goes into administration

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The guidance comes from NHS Test and Trace and is advisory – all legal domestic Covid restrictions have been lifted.

People are being advised to book their vaccines and boosters if they haven’t already, and to stay at home and avoid contact with other people if they feel unwell, especially with flu-like symptoms and a high temperature.

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The advice also includes opening windows to allow fresh air to circulate, washing hands regularly, and wearing face coverings in crowded and enclosed spaces.

These measures are particularly important when meeting with people who are at higher risk of serious illness from Covid-19.

The full latest health guidance is available at gov.uk/coronavirus.

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Huge shuttle bus effort laid on to get Manchester United fans to Old Trafford amid tram disruption

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson Huge shuttle bus effort laid on to get Manchester United fans to Old Trafford amid tram disruption

Transport for Greater Manchester has announced a shuttle bus scheme to help Manchester United fans get to Old Trafford this week, amid major tram disruption.

Fans won’t be able to use trams to get to the ground as usual, due to huge improvement works which are in place until Monday 2 November.

There’ll be no trams at all on the Altrincham, Trafford Park, and Eccles lines, with Airport and East Didsbury trams only going as far as Firswood.

That means that fans heading to Manchester United’s home game against Bournemouth would have been a little stuck without this newly-announced shuttle bus service.

Frequent dedicated shuttle buses will run running Piccadilly Gardens, Altrincham Interchange and the Trafford Centre, taking fans directly to Old Trafford before the game.

Frequencies range from five to 20 minutes depending on the route and time, with details available online. Return services will be in place after the final whistle.

TfGM staff will be at key stops and interchanges throughout the day to help fans get to the match and provide travel advice.

Huge shuttle bus effort laid on to get Manchester United fans to Old Trafford amid tram disruption. Credit: TfGM

Ian Davies, TfGM’s Network Director for Metrolink, said: “There is no good time to disrupt passengers to carry out these works, and this is the first time in over a decade that trams won’t serve Old Trafford on a match day, but these works are essential and will enable us to provide a better service in future. I am very sorry to fans who face disruption.

“We’ve put a range of alternative travel options in place, including dedicated shuttle buses, bolstered Bee Network bus services, rail options and ticket acceptance arrangements will help fans get to and from the game.

“Journey options will be different from usual, so we would encourage supporters to plan ahead, check their route and our website before they travel and leave plenty of time to get to and from the stadium.”

TfGM is advising supporters to leave around an hour earlier to help make sure they arrive in time for kick-off.

Full details of the shuttle buses, alternative routes and ticket acceptance arrangements can be found on the dedicated Manchester United v Bournemouth travel information page.

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Featured image: The Manc Group

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Andy Burnham introduces new rules to tackle ‘rip-off’ parking charges

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson Andy Burnham introduces new rules to tackle 'rip-off' parking charges

City centre parking is at a premium, especially in a city like Manchester – but we’ve surely all made honest mistakes when paying and been slapped with eye-watering fines as a result.

Well now, Andy Burnham has announced a new Private Parking Code of Practice, which will clamp down on ‘rip-off’ private parking charges.

It will also make it easier for drivers to challenge unfair charges, capping charges for ‘smaller slip-ups’ at £20, and scrapping charges altogether on appeal for ‘honest mistakes’.

The new Code will get drivers a guaranteed five minutes to decide whether to park and 10 minutes to leave once their session ends.

Under the new Private Parking Code of Practice laid in Parliament today, you’ll be able to appeal to have all charges scrapped for honest mistakes like stopping briefly to check directions, and for situations like a medical emergency, breakdown or broken ticket machine.

Then charges will be capped at £20 for other mistakes such as forgetting a parking permit, entering the wrong vehicle’s registration or forgetting to confirm it in the machine when parking.

The Code also freezes the maximum parking charge at £100. Operators who don’t comply risk losing access to DVLA data, meaning that even if they issue a charge, it will be far more difficult to identify the registered owner to pursue payment.

Data shows just under 17 million private parking charges were issued in the UK last year alone.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham said: “Being a few minutes late back to your car or typing one digit of your numberplate wrong shouldn’t end with a hefty fine landing on your doormat.

“These charges leave people feeling ripped off and out of pocket, so I’m putting a stop to them.

Andy Burnham introduces new rules to tackle 'rip-off' parking charges. Credit: Unsplash, Samuel Isaacs
Andy Burnham introduces new rules to tackle ‘rip-off’ parking charges. Credit: Unsplash, Samuel Isaacs

“We are introducing clearer rules, longer grace periods and lower charges for genuine mistakes, while going after the deliberate scams that rip drivers off.”

Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Angela Rayner said:  “Parking should be straightforward, not another everyday hassle. These changes mean drivers get a fairer deal, protected time to park and leave without fear of being unfairly charged, and confidence that private parking providers are held to a higher standard. 

“It’s yet another step forward in this government’s plan to take the stress out of everyday life and ease the pressure on people’s pockets.”

Minister for Consumer Action, Kate Dearden, said: “Nobody works hard for their money just to be deceived by a dodgy trader, and this is exactly the kind of everyday rip-off this government is going after.

“By making it easier to take action against car clocking, we are protecting consumers’ hard-earned money and supporting businesses that play by the rules.”

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Featured image: Unsplash, James Genchi

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