Can I drive to Wales?

[Racoonworld]

I need to hand deliver some documents to the solicitor for my house purchase. The post is unreliable at the moment, some documents haven't arrived from weeks ago and they are needed tomorrow.

I love in England, solicitors are in wales. Can I drive there to give to them?

That sounds pretty essential to me and justified should the police pull you over.

I live in Wales and drive (locally, around Cardiff and the surrounding area) for work and haven’t been stopped once throughout any of our lockdowns.

I have a friend who is planning to do similar; he thinks it is essential business (if that helps).

Thanks, I was hoping it might come under essential travel. Does anyone know if they stop you at the bridge crossing?

Someone I know drove from Bristol to Swansea to collect some documents and wasn't stopped. It was work, so justified as essential.

There’s no regular police on the bridge as far as I’m aware.

There may be ANPR cameras but I doubt that will trigger anything as long as your cars is taxed, insured and not stolen!

The restrictions are here:

gov.wales/alert-level-4-frequently-asked-questions

It does say you're allowed to travel to attend court or meet other legal obligations. But I don't know if this would be considered an essential legal obligation.

Brilliant, thanks.

I’m pretty sure nothing will happen to you if you do. They’re not stopping every car, or turning people back at the border. I’d go - even if you do get questioned they’re likely to be happy to accept that reason.

Why do you know the post, special delivery, is unreliable?

If it's something I don't want out of my hands for long, like a passport solicitor needs to see the original of to verify, I understand better the hand delivery.

@lljkk

Why do you know the post, special delivery, is unreliable?

If it's something I don't want out of my hands for long, like a passport solicitor needs to see the original of to verify, I understand better the hand delivery.

Because I posted signed documents special delivery couple of weeks ago and they never arrived. I've had other post sent this way from family that have arrived at my house a month later.

Ok, fair enough, that sucks.
What does Royal Mail tracking show, where are the documents supposed to be?

I live near the bridge in England, and my son goes to work in Wales twice a week. He has never been stopped or even seen a police presence on the roads. You will be fine to drive across with your documents, and I agree it sounds like an essential reason for travelling anyway. I presume you know the solicitor is working from the office and not from home?

There are no visible police when you drive from England to Wales. I have had to do it a few times now in lockdown. Plus your excuse is reasonable.

I live in Wales, I believe anything to do with buying or selling property is considered essential even during our current lockdown. DH and I and I recently viewed a house 30 miles away for example and this was permitted. Best to drive there, drop off and drive straight back without stopping en route if you're able to.

Yep moving is essential.

that sounds pretty essential to me, I'd go.
I have only heard of people being fined at car parks at beauty spots.