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Travelling during lockdown - how do I explain my situation if I am stopped by police?

NAS66952

 I am in a slightly unusual situation and I cannot understand where it fits in the official guidelines. All I am hearing is that I should use 'common sense' and only travel if 'reasonable' but unsuprisingly I can't make sense of subjective concepts like that, especially in this rapidly changing global crisis.

Shortly after the lockdown announcement, I made an hour long journey to my partner's house to self-isolate there. I've now been here about 4 weeks and I need to return home (my cat is being looked after by a friend but this isn't possible long term, I also need my medication, etc.) Will I get stopped? I will be driven home by a friend who has also been isolating, said friend is then going to stay with me during the lockdown because I am very anxious to be on my own and I don't trust myself not to relapse into dangerous behavior given the stressful circumstances.

Has anyone else dealt with a similar situation? How do I explain this to the police if I am stopped, it already sounds convoluted and I'm scared they'll think I'm lying. I pass as neurotypical, I have my own flat etc. The guidelines are saying not to travel and to isolate, but I have to return to my house and I cannot do so alone. While I understand there is some leeway for medical issues, I can't prove I'm autistic.

  • Hi, try not to worry. The guidelines are only guidelines, not law. There is no law saying you can't travel, just a request that everyone only makes journeys which are essential, which yours is.

    I would suggest telling the truth, but not the whole truth. Returning to your primary home is seen as perfectly reasonable (there are still British people being flown home from other countries). Travel in the back of the car so you keep a distance from your friend, and if stopped just say you were staying with your partner when lockdown started but need to return home for medication and to care for your cat. Both very valid reasons for travel.

  • in reply to NAS66952

    I’m with you on not trusting them! I think you will just have to take your chances personally - If it’s vital you return home as staying where you are is no longer viable, I really can’t see them being able to find you.

  • in reply to DaveAsperg

    I never trust police ;)  although unfortunately I live in the city centre, and I have belongings that will be unpacked and you can't really access the city without using the motorways.

  • As long as you can travel without attracting attention you will be fine. So being driven by your friend sounds fine, but you will need to load and unload the car without looking like you are staying overnight. Avoid motorways. Don't trust police

  • I think in the circumstances you will be fine if you explain If stopped thatdue to wellbeing concerns you had to stay with someone but now you are returning home - I can’t see there being an issue - just my opinion of course.