A CAR dealership group says it is opening the vast majority of its service departments to ensure key workers and vehicles critical to the country during the coronavirus outbreak can continue their vital work.

Vertu Motors' service departments at Bristol Street Motors Bradford Nissan and Kia and Vertu Honda are open.

Anyone classed by the government as a keyworker, or vehicles such as utilities, emergency services and food and necessary goods distributors will be able to access servicing and repairs.

Where possible this will be extended to vulnerable people who need to stay mobile.

The group says robust hygiene and social distancing procedures remain in place to protect customers and colleagues, which include thoroughly cleaning the control surfaces of all vehicles before and after handover.

Robert Forrester, chief executive of Vertu Motors plc, said: “Although our dealerships are temporarily closed for vehicle sales and routine servicing and repairs, like many businesses we are doing what we can to assist key workers, the most vulnerable and crucial logistics.

"The dealerships are providing servicing and repairs to keep these people in Bradford and the surrounding area on the road.”

Hotlines

Bristol Street Key Worker Hotline –0330 1781813

Vertu Honda Key Worker Hotline – 0330 1781814