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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think this particular Covid rule is fucking stupid?

50 replies

PPNC · 01/03/2021 20:07

So I need to go and pick up my kids from ex’s, to do the journey there and back in a day will mean around 9-10 hrs driving give or take.

But I can’t get a hotel to break the journey as I would any other time, because “Covid”. Would require a letter from a company saying I’m on essential work purposes and I’m a keyworker, no exceptions.

Because a 10hr drive that’s SO much safer than the risk of a virus ARGH. And yes I know “they can’t make exceptions or people will take the piss Yada Yada” but I’m too frustrated to be reasonable this evening. Guess I’ll be napping in my cold car.

OP posts:
peak2021 · 01/03/2021 20:23

Without being too outing, is staying there overnight (at the father of your child/children) an absolute no-no?

Handsnotwands · 01/03/2021 20:34

Can’t you meet them half way?

Original poster
PPNC · 01/03/2021 21:20

Halfway is how I got them there, he can’t on the way back now! Could technically stay but really really don’t want to!

OP posts:
LittleOwl153 · 01/03/2021 21:33

Could you try a smaller hotel/provider near to where he lives AirB&B or something and explain your position?

madaboutrunning · 01/03/2021 21:45

Have you checked that you need proof? I had to stay overnight in a Premier Inn in a previous lockdown (for a caring responsibility). All I had to do was declare online when I booked that I was staying for an allowed reason. Nobody checked or asked to see anything.

Twothirtyam · 01/03/2021 21:45

I’ve stayed in a few hotels over the past couple of months for legitimate reasons and never had to show any evidence. I ticked I was travelling for business (it wasn’t for work but it also wasn’t for leisure so I thought that was the best option!) and that was that. No further questions. Used premier inn/Travelodge. Honestly I think your safety is more important and the hotels are good with keeping things clean. That would be too much driving for me.

AnnaSW1 · 01/03/2021 21:46

You just need to self certify. Not every hotel needs a letter

Original poster
PPNC · 01/03/2021 21:47

Airbnb / guest house is a good shout, might be more reasonable.

Not to be outing (eek) but it’s Wales and I’ve called the hotels open, they will all cancel bookings when I arrive if I don’t bring proof, council orders apparently and they are being checked so don’t want to get into trouble Hmm

OP posts:
Original poster
PPNC · 01/03/2021 21:51

Tried Marrot, Future Inns, Hilton and a couple of local ones then gave up in frustration. Haven’t tried travelodge to be fair maybe I’ll call them next!

OP posts:
MrMahoneysPants · 01/03/2021 21:53

They need to see proof, they will not check your proof. So a letter typed up and signed by Bob boberson should do

Original poster
PPNC · 01/03/2021 21:53

I am actually a key worker but don’t think work will play ball with a letter as it isn’t for work.

OP posts:
Original poster
PPNC · 01/03/2021 21:54

Hmmmmm. @MrMahoneysPants I could technically use the company letterhead from “Bob”... and I have my business cards.

God this is ridiculous.

OP posts:
wizzbangfizz · 01/03/2021 21:55

I did something similar to @madaboutrunning and also stayed in a premier inn. No one batted an eye or asked a q.

Changedname476 · 01/03/2021 21:55

Lockdown won't last much longer hopefully.

I wouldn't do and couldn't do a 10 drive to do a there and back in a day, but Even for child contact- it's dangerous and your DC wouldn't want anything to happen to you. What does your XP say?

MrMahoneysPants · 01/03/2021 21:56

Or as you are doing xh a favour get him to send you an email that you are working for him because you are! he can pay your fiver for petrol

scaredsadandstuck · 01/03/2021 21:58

www.bbc.co.uk/news/amp/uk-politics-55616344 Does this help at all? I remember seeing it a couple of weeks back but don't remember all the details, so sorry if not!

wizzbangfizz · 01/03/2021 21:58

Could you stay in a premier inn/trace lodge on the English border?

themoneypolice · 01/03/2021 22:01

@PPNC hello OP if it's in Cardiff or near there are air bnbs operating! I live in a city centre flat and there's one in my block being used

Iudncuewbccgrcb · 01/03/2021 22:01

Stay the other side of the border?

Original poster
PPNC · 01/03/2021 22:04

Thanks @scaredsadandstuck, it’s Wales sadly but you’d think they’d be logical!

English border isn’t a bad idea though, could stop in Bristol or Monmouth which would break it!

It’s not child contact it’s getting them home for school, he’s taken them for the first time in 6 months and now can’t (won’t) bring them back. They need to be home.

OP posts:
LBOCS2 · 01/03/2021 22:06

It's ridiculous OP. I don't have any solution but I have a huge amount of sympathy. I'm the only driver between the 4 adults involved in DSS's life, so I've been doing the 7hr round trip to get him and take him back every fortnight. It's just about doable but I wouldn't want it to be any longer.

Are trains running? Is that an option?

WaltzForDebbie · 01/03/2021 22:12

It's bonkers! Could you "break it up" with a McDonalds drivethru and a quick stroll for some fresh air when you get there before you pick him up. Then have a coffee break half way somewhere either way. It absolutely rubbish but you will get through it. Flowers

FatAnneTheDealer · 01/03/2021 22:15

It is "child contact" - the children have parents who do not live toether; journeys to move children between non residential parents are necessary and allowed.

justchecking1 · 01/03/2021 22:17

I think "caring responsibilities" are a permitted reason. Would the hotel not accept this?