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It has been over a week now since Prime Minister Boris Johnson placed the UK on lockdown by issuing strict guidelines to try and limit the spread of the coronavirus.

The public have been told to stay at home as much as possible - unless to go to work if they're a key worker, to exercise once a day, to obtain medical help or to assist someone who is vulnerable.

Social distancing is also crucial - keeping two metres away from others when outside or when in the supermarket.

However despite the clear measures that hasn't stopped people flooding the beaches of East Lothian or heading for the Pentland Hills.

Now we've been told that we aren't supposed to drive to somewhere to exercise or walk our dog - so what are the dos and don'ts of driving in lockdown?

So, can you go for a drive?

While driving hasn't been banned during the lockdown, you should not be going for a drive just because you feel like it. Reasons you can drive over the next few weeks include:

Travelling to and from work when it is essential to do so, as you have been classed as a key worker and cannot do your job from home

To provide help or care for vulnerable people or to seek urgent medical assistance for yourself if you have been advised to do so after calling 111

To go to the shop for basic necessities such as food, or to go to the pharmacy/chemist for any medications you may require.

While you are allowed to drive for these reasons, the government advises that you should be doing this as infrequently as you possibly can.

Although you can also leave your home to exercise once a day, for instance to go for a run or a walk, you are advised to do this locally and avoid driving somewhere else to do it.

Driving rules for parents

Parents who are separated and divorced are also permitted to drive their child(ren) under the age of 18 to and from the other parent's home.

Key workers whose children are still at school during lockdown are also allowed to drive their kids to school.

When you shouldn't drive

Driving in your own car is currently a safer option than taking public transport as it involves less contact with others, however you should still be staying home as much as possible.

Specifically, the government has advised that you should not be driving to meet friends or family who don't live in your home, to go shopping, unless it's for essential items or to travel to a second home, campsite or caravan park during this time.

Essentially if your journey isn't completely necessary at the time, you should not be driving.

What happens if you break the rules?

As a way to enforce these rules, the government have given Police Scotland the ability to issue fines or arrest those they believe are not working to help contain the spread of coronavirus.

If police see you leaving your home or gathering in public for any reason other than those specified, they may:

Instruct you to go home, leave an area or disperse

Instruct you to take steps to stop your children breaking these rules if they have already done so

Take you home – or arrest you – if you do not follow their instructions or where they deem it necessary

Issue a fine (fixed penalty notice) of £60, which will be lowered to £30 if paid within 14 days.

Issue a fine (fixed penalty notice) of £120 for second time offenders, doubling on each further repeat offence

How to stay safe if you do have to drive

If you do have to go out in the car for one of the reasons permitted, there are several steps you should take before and after your journey to help you and those around you stay safe.

Make sure to wash your hands before and after going out in the car or use hand sanitiser.

If you are sharing the car with other people in your home, make sure to wipe over the steering wheel, door handles, stereo and controls with soap and water after use.

Try not to drive at busy times of the day unless essential and avoid refuelling too often. Petrol stations are an area where the virus can spread, for example through handling the petrol pump, so users should wear disposable gloves. If possible, pay for petrol contactlessly.