Two very different services

In preparation for the first time out this year, we needed to get the motorhome MoT and the habitation service done.

When we arrived at the garage due to do the MoT, we went to the reception. Here, the staff, like ourselves, all wore masks and were fully screened off from direct contact with the customer. The receptionist then donned a pair of gloves, took the keys from us and wiped them off. We were then asked to leave and to return in about an hour.

When we returned, the vehicle was still on the ramp, but we could see that all the mechanics were wearing face masks. When the vehicle was returned the mechanic was wearing full PPE, then told us not to enter the vehicle, but to see reception who would take over. Payment was taken by card using the system usually used for remote purchase, so no contact.

The receptionist, wearing face mask, full face shield and new plastic gloves, then went to the ’van and sanitised every part that the mechanic may have touched, including wiping the keys.

When we went for the habitation service, we arrived only to find that the gate providing access from the main road was locked.

Eventually, three different members of staff, all unmasked, managed to get a set of keys to open the gate.

Reception was then carried out via the vehicle window, while still parked in the main road. We were wearing masks, but the reception staff did not. We were told where to park and when it should be available for collecting.

On returning, the main gate was locked and the only way to contact the dealer was to phone. Eventually, an unmasked salesman appeared to open the gate.

We paid again by card, but this time by use of the key pad, handed to us by an unmasked receptionist, who handed us a plastic bag containing a sanitized set of keys.

When we got to the vehicle, the steering wheel had a plastic cover over it, with no indication of whether it was to save the engineer from us, or the reverse.

Needless to say, when we got the vehicle home we carried out a sanitisation of the vehicle and ourselves.

Lyn and Geoff Holyoake