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Original poster

Fucking hell, DD might be trapped in London

48 replies

HoofWankingSpangleCunt · 23/03/2020 18:45

So, DD's uni have just emailed students telling them that if they clear out their accommodation by 11th April they won't have to pay rent for summer term. She came back home last week but has most of her stuff still there
Unfortunately, we aren't in a great position financially and the rent is about the same amount as she would have earned in her summer job at the uni.
She was getting ready to go down tonight on the train to pack up the rest in preparation for my DS and I going down in the morning to help her bring the stuff back in a taxi . dS would have to come as he's 12 and can't be left alone for that time .
We're 20 miles away
However, I'm now in a total panic at the prospect of an immediate lockdown in London .

Should we wait for the 8 30 address before she goes down?

What if she's stuck there, on her own unable to leave. At a push she could load the cab herself but will they allow her to get a cab out?

Will they let us in?

I appreciate nobody can really tell me what's happening but if anyone knows anything about the legal ramifications of lockdown advice would be welcome .

DD won't want to risk missing out on the rent rebate. She's got her coat on now . Shall I tell her to wait .
Will cabs even run out of London ?

I'm thinking we should all go down tonight. Just in case she has to get train back .

OP posts:
wouldyouadamandeveit · 23/03/2020 18:50

I think she'd be ok. I have to do the same with my son and consider it essential travel. I can't afford to leave his belongings, computer, TV etc.

We won't be interacting with anyone other than each other as has been the case over the past few weeks.

playthestation · 23/03/2020 18:52

There will be no immediate action. She will not get trapped in London.

ComtesseDeSpair · 23/03/2020 18:53

I’d wait for the address just because it will inform you, but lockdown won’t be immediate, it can’t be, some time has to be given for people who are currently at work or somewhere where they can’t self-isolate to get to somewhere they can. It might not be a long notice period, but it will be enough. The military aren’t going to be stopping and shooting people in your DD’s position in the early hours of a lockdown in any case.

maxelly · 23/03/2020 18:54

Obviously no-one knows, but I am guessing the 20.30 announcement is about the enactment of the new legislation, as reported on BBC which cover a whole range of things including shutting down ports, airports etc and police powers to detain possibly infectious people. Nothing about 'locking down' London though in the way you are talking about (not allowing anyone in/out), so I would sit tight for now and try to stay calm, I know it's scary. It's possible the train service will be much reduced or stopped but in that case as you say your DD will have to load the taxi herself...

BigSandyBalls2015 · 23/03/2020 18:54

It won’t be that instant. I don’t believe it will be anywhere near as stringent as other countries

endofthelinefinally · 23/03/2020 18:55

I think the congestion charge has been lifted, so probably you will be able to drive, pick up the stuff and drive back. I can't go out at all, but I have been told it is pretty quiet. Better do it asap though.

HPandTheNeverEndingBedtime · 23/03/2020 18:57

Is there anyone with a car you can ask, if you are only 20 miles away they could be back before 10pm and the roads are probably quiet now

GeorgieTheGorgeousGoat · 23/03/2020 18:57

Good god calm down. Nothing is immediate and in any instance, travelling home will be perfectly allowed. Deep breaths.

Original poster
HoofWankingSpangleCunt · 23/03/2020 19:03

Thank you , you lovely lot. Both my and DD's blood pressure has significantly reduced now.

I'm not normally given over to panic but these are not normal times.

I hadn't entertained the possibility of the army shooting us dead as we carry out yoga mats and suitcases of cosmetics into a cab. Until now. Cheers for that . Grin

Thinking about this more, I'd just spoken to my Dad and conversations with him always leave me thinking that Armageddon is nigh. And that's at the best of times.

So, sticking to original plan, DD will leave shortly and I and DS will hopefully go down tomorrow.

OP posts:
wouldyouadamandeveit · 23/03/2020 19:05

There will be thousands of uni students in exactly the same boat. They can't possibly not allow those students and their belongings to come home.

MoltonSilver · 23/03/2020 19:05

If there was a lockdown they'd have to let people return to their home address. An immediate lockdown with no notice or exceptions would have people literally standing on the street with no where to go. That's not in anyone's interest.

Brakebackcyclebot · 23/03/2020 19:05

Did I understand right that you are 20 miles away from where she is studying? Why don't all 3 of you go now, pack the car, and come home tonight?

playthestation · 23/03/2020 19:06

I would leave her to come home by taxi herself. You don't really need to help with that. Students do it all the time.

category12 · 23/03/2020 19:13

Seems crazy not to just take the car and pack her up tonight.

maxelly · 23/03/2020 19:15

Guys I'm pretty sure the op doesn't have a car/drive or I'm sure there wouldn't be this faff with taxis/trains. Not everyone does you know.

That being said op, if her stuff will all fit in a taxi then I would think she probably shouldn't need your help loading it, especially as you'd need to bring ds too, so I'd be tempted to let her manage...

category12 · 23/03/2020 19:16

Oh sorry OP.

WhatWouldYouDoWhatWouldJesusDo · 23/03/2020 19:18

The lock down won't be immediate. I think it's going to happen, but will probably be Friday. Tomorrow or Thursday at the absolute earliest. My money is on Friday tho.

FizzyGreenWater · 23/03/2020 19:22

It won't be immediate. It can't be: it would create a million more problems than it would solve.

Don't you go. If it's a cab load, she CAN do it herself. Tell her to go now and get it done this evening though! Or, if all of you go, all go now and come back with her stuff tonight.

cologne4711 · 23/03/2020 19:24

Even if it was a really strict Spanish style lockdown you would still be able to return to your home as long as it's your primary home and not the second home in Cornwall.

HedgehogDramas · 23/03/2020 19:29

Can you roughly say where you are OP and where your DD's lodgings are?

SunshineCake · 23/03/2020 19:31

You are very lucky she gets her rent back. Our son came home last week and he is about £2200, well us, out of pocket and it really isn't fair. No doubt he will petition to have it refunded but still.

Dh and ds went today to get all his stuff as I am sure restrictions are coming and I wasn't risking not being able to get the stuff.

KoalasandRabbit · 23/03/2020 19:34

You normally get a few hours notice. I think its a full lockdown coming as anyone abroad has been told to get home immediately according to BBC. Some people are saying it will come into force at midnight, that's the earliest I could see it happening. It's just guesses though.

Seventyone72seventy3 · 23/03/2020 19:34

Lockdown doesn't generally mean everything stops! You are allowed to get home.

BoingBoingyBoing · 23/03/2020 19:34

The lockdown - if it comes - won't stop people from getting home. That would defeat the point.

However, if you are 20 miles away - just drive!

playthestation · 23/03/2020 19:40

However, if you are 20 miles away - just drive!

I'm not sure why the small distance makes people think OP has a car.

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