These are the rules on travelling between Tier 1, Tier 2 and Tier 3 when national lockdown lifts

After 2 December, as England’s second national lockdown draws to a close, areas in the country will return to a similar regional system implemented before the lockdown, except with stricter rules.

The Government this week outlined England’s return to a “tougher” three-tier system, revealing that the rules around foreign holidays are set to change when the new tiered restrictions come into place.

But does that affect domestic travel? And can travel you to a lower or higher tier than the one you are in?

Here is everything you need to know.

Can I travel between two tiers?

In short, travel between different tiers is permitted, although you should stick to the advice of only making journeys for “essential” reasons, and travel to Tier 3 areas is particularly advised against.

Once you are in another tier, you should stick to the guidance of your own tier if you’ve come from a higher one, or act under the guidance of the higher tier if you are ‘moving up’ into it.

What are the rules for Tier 1 areas?

If you live in a Tier 1 area – though not many people do, and this level only applies to the Isle of Wight, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly – and have to travel to an area in a higher tier, you should follow the rules for that area while you are there.

Travel to or overnight stays in Tier 3 areas should be avoided, other than where necessary, such as for work, education, youth services, to receive medical treatment, or because of caring responsibilities.

You can travel through a Tier 3 area as part of a longer journey, but should make efforts to amend your route if possible.

What are the rules in Tier 2?

In Tier 2 areas, you can continue to travel to venues or amenities which are open, but should aim to reduce the number of journeys you make where possible.

Even if you were to travel from a Tier 2 area to a Tier 1 area, you must continue to follow Tier 2 rules when you are there.

Again, travel to or overnight stays in Tier 3 areas should be avoided, other than where necessary (for work, education, to receive medical treatment etc), and you can travel through a tier 3 area as a part of a longer journey.

What are the rules in Tier 3?

The rules in Tier 3 are slightly stricter, and the Government says you should avoid travelling to other parts of the UK.

This includes overnight stays (other than where necessary), but you can travel through other areas as part of a longer journey.

You can continue to travel to venues or amenities which are open in Tier 3, but should aim to reduce the number of journeys you make where possible.

Can I travel to work?

The current guidelines say that everyone who can work from home should do so, but that people should continue to travel to their workplace where they cannot remain at their place of residence.

When travelling to work, you should walk or cycle where possible, and plan ahead and avoid busy times and routes when travelling.

Travelling is also permitted for reasons of education, youth services, to receive medical treatment, or because of caring responsibilities.

More information on the Government’s local restrictions tiers, and the travel that is and isn't permitted between them, can be found here

A version of this article originally appeared on our sister title, the Yorkshire Post

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