North Edinburgh News – Page 2102 – The NEN

Groundbreaking COVID-19 treatments to be fast-tracked through clinical trials

UK Government awards multi-million-pound funding to phase 1 clinical trial platform to fast-track innovative treatments
NHS patients could receive cutting-edge COVID-19 treatments in months rather than years
Move will bring in the world’s best researchers to trial treatments in the UK

The move marks a landmark development in COVID-19 research that could see results for brand new treatments in months rather than years, and will enable the government to get even more safe and effective treatments to the NHS rapidly through a more streamlined process.

Currently, the government funds phase 2 and 3 trials, such as the RECOVERY trial, which brought life-saving treatments dexamethasone and tocilizumab to the NHS. Phase 1 trials, usually arranged by the researchers, are the earliest stage of human trials that ensure treatments are safe and show a signal of benefit in treating a disease.

The funding has been awarded to expand the AGILE clinical trial platform and will allow for global innovators to progress cutting-edge treatments for COVID-19 through all 3 clinical trial phases in the UK, further protecting our supply chain. This in turn will attract the brightest of researchers and manufacturers from around the world to trial their medicines here in Britain.

Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock said: “Today’s news will ensure all phases of clinical trials for new treatments are done in the UK, protecting our supply chain and securing the world’s best treatments for NHS patients at a much faster rate.

“I am immensely proud of the work that’s been undertaken by the brilliant scientists behind these treatments and the thousands of UK patients who have taken part in the trials.

“Together, we can continue to ensure the UK is one of the best countries in the world for trialling and deploying the most groundbreaking medical advancements for both COVID-19 and for dangerous diseases in the future.”

The funding has been awarded by the Medical Research Council (MRC) and co-funded though the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR).

A phase 1 trial is the earliest stage of human trials and is an essential first step that ensures treatments are safe. Once they pass phase 1, they then go into larger-scale phase 2 and 3 trials, such as RECOVERY or PRINCIPLE, before being made available on the NHS once proven to be effective.

The UK has proven throughout this pandemic to be a world leader in medical research and life sciences, stepping up quickly to the task of finding effective therapeutics for a completely new virus and supported by millions in funding by the UK government.

AGILE is a UK phase 1 and 2a clinical trial platform designed for rapid clinical evaluation of potential COVID-19 treatments
It is a collaboration between the University of Liverpool, the University of Southampton Research Unit, and other external partners
The innovative design of the trial means that multiple potential treatments can be evaluated in parallel and important testing stages can be completed in months rather than years, while maintaining a high level of safety at all times
Patients in early stages of COVID-19 infection will be recruited to AGILE from the community, in addition to patients who have been hospitalised with COVID-19
Treatments that show a signal of benefit in AGILE will be rapidly considered for advancement into later phase clinical trial platforms, such as PRINCIPLE and RECOVERY, where the effectiveness of treatments can be proven in greater patient numbers
The Therapeutics Taskforce will work with innovators to support them to progress their promising treatments through clinical trial phases
4 treatments have so far been selected for AGILE:
- EIDD-2801 (Molnupiravir), an antiviral
- VIR-7831 and VIR-7832, both monoclonal antibodies
- Niclosamide, an anthelminthic
Future treatments to enter AGILE will be selected by the UK COVID-19 Therapeutics Advisory Panel (UK-CTAP), who lead the process of reviewing and evaluating proposals for treatments to enter UK national trial platforms – read more about UK-CTAP and how drug proposals can be made
The UK was the first in the world to find a treatment which was proven to significantly reduce the risk of death: dexamethasone, found through the government-funded RECOVERY trial
On Thursday 11 February, RECOVERY also found the drug tocilizumab, when administered to hospitalised patients on oxygen with dexamethasone, further reduces the risk of death by 14% and length of hospital stay for patients by 5 whole days, on top of the benefits of dexamethasone – which will mean once rolled out to patients will significantly reduce pressures on the NHS
REMAP-CAP, which also received government funding, last month published results showing tocilizumab reduced the length of time in hospital by 10 days when administered to patients with 24 hours of being admitted to intensive care

Scottish SPCA cares for orphaned otter cubs

The Scottish SPCA was alerted to the young otters by members of the public after they had been spotted wandering the streets of Inverkeithing last week.

The cubs are now in the care of our National Wildlife Rescue Centre.

Centre manager Steven Gray said, “The cubs are around three to four-months-old. Otters will stay with their mothers in the wild until they are over a year old.

“We suspect their mum was involved in a road traffic accident or some form of disturbance and didn’t return to her cubs so they have gone looking for her. They were seen wandering down the road in Inverkeithing on Saturday night.

“The female cub was spotted by someone taking their bins out. She was making very loud peeping noises which was probably her trying to call for her mum. The members of the public followed at a safe distance to a nearby field where they were able to monitor her until we arrived.

“The pair wouldn’t have survived on their own as they rely on mum so we are thankful the members of the public contacted us.

“One cub is male and the other is female. The female has been named Inver and the male has been called Forth.

“They will stay with us until they are around 12 to 14-months-old, just like with mum in the wild. We will teach them how to feed and take care of themselves and will release them when they are ready.

“Otters are very agile and can have a nasty bite so we would ask members of the public not to approach them as they can react negatively out of fear. They can see humans as a threat, especially when they are feeling vulnerable, so we would advise monitoring the animal and contacting us.

“We have the necessary safety equipment to carefully contain otters and we are experienced in doing so. We wouldn’t want anyone getting hurt or an animal to be caused undue stress.

“If anyone spots a wild animal in need of our help, please call our animal helpline on 03000 999 999.”

Hospitality heroes to save our high street?

Hospitality entrepreneur BRADLEY GOUGH believes the high street isn’t dying, instead it is in state of transition, and pictures a new high street reinvigorated by hospitality and cultural experiences:

Spending habits in the UK have transformed significantly and the high street has been particularly hard hit in 2020. There are no signs of this downward trend slowing, after a year of city-wide lockdowns and non-essential retailers being closed.

Bradley Gough, is the founder of Groubook, and his team had spent months planning the launch of their new app that helps friends to organise and book group events, only to have their plans put on hold due to Covid-19. He is hoping that the hospitality sector will have a massive resurgence in the future and has some interesting ideas on how this will happen.

Chains and big brands have shifted away from physical stores and many businesses have been unable to reopen – leaving the question of what to do with all the empty space in the hearts of our communities.

Bradley Gough said: “I am hopeful about the future of our high streets, we would love to see hospitality and culture could play a major part in reinvigorating these areas.

“The departure of high street favourites like Debenhams, Top Shop, Burtons and Dorothy Perkins has led to thousands of job losses and a gaping hole in the high streets offering.

“But the high street isn’t dying, instead it is in state of transition away from the traditional one we have had for the last 50 years. Even before the pandemic, there was closures and a declining demand for retail space. Shopping online has been steadily on the rise for a decade, but lockdown has accelerated our use of it.

“We would like to see the disused retail spaces transformed into something new, ready for all of the fun to be had post-pandemic. Throughout history, high streets have been the centres of communities, playing important roles in commerce, business but also for social gatherings and events.”

The office buildings that have been forced to close could become revolutionary socially distanced, flexible working spaces. Easy to convert quickly and cheaply, they could become a haven for those sick of working from home as our attitudes towards flexible employee options evolve in the future.

The future high street might be a slightly different scape, but many have already seen an influx of independent businesses including bars, restaurants, community businesses and cultural venues.

Local people will still need access to service-led industries like the dry cleaners, key cutters, nail bar, bank and even the Post Office, but the high street could become dictated by the local populations requirements, their lifestyle patterns, and choices for recreation.

Bradley can picture the high street reinvigorated post-pandemic by hospitality and recreational experiences. Empty department stores could be transformed into hubs for leisure, a bowling alley on one floor, adult soft play on another and a laser tag course in the basement.

Despite the growth of an ‘armchair economy’ due to the pandemic, people will be keen to get out as soon as it is safe, ready to have fun and make new memories with their friends and family.

The next craze to sweep the nation could be a boozy ball pit-based night out, or themed restaurants which emerge you in beach or rainforest surroundings, from the comfort of your town centre.

The shops you spent hours looking around for your parents as a kid, could become city centre mazes instead. Bars could be tucked away, hidden in the basement of retail units, whilst the stores above become experience centres, where customers browse and try products on, before ordering online for delivery to their door.

Technology is the main tool to enhance a community hub and create a high street that meets a range of different consumer needs. A shift towards free Wi-Fi in shared spaces, improvements in eco transport links and more electric car charging points could drive people to their centres and high street to enjoy the post pandemic climate.

Groubook lets groups book, organise and arrange nights out online and take advantage of a wide range of discounts and rewards. Bradley believes the app can give independent bars and restaurants a head start when they’re finally able to open for business and help them recoup some of the losses from the pandemic.

The app was launched in Nottingham in August just after the first lockdown restrictions began to ease and saw rapid initial take-up with numbers growing by 250% in the first six weeks.

Bradley said: “Our plans for growth are ambitious and despite everything that’s happened this year, we’re confident we’ll achieve them.

“Once restrictions begin to ease, we’re ready to go full steam ahead and support the hospitality sector as it starts to rebuild.”

Many Scots unaware of incurable condition as common as hay fever

Raynaud’s symptoms despite it affecting 1 in 6 people in the UK.
The charity also found that many Scots are likely to dismiss common symptoms rather than visit their GP.
Raynaud’s is a painful and incurable condition. For some, it can be also be a sign of other serious health problems, including the potentially life-threatening condition, Scleroderma.
SRUK is calling on people across Scotland to visit its website to find out the signs and take its online diagnosis test.

More than 24 million people in the UK – nearly one in two adults – cannot name any of the symptoms of Raynaud’s, an incurable and painful condition that affects as many people as hay fever, according to new figures released this week.

The charity Scleroderma and Raynaud’s UK (SRUK), which commissioned the research, says the data highlights a ‘shocking’ lack of awareness across the UK with millions more likely to dismiss symptoms and avoid their GP.

In Scotland, 49 percent of those surveyed said they could not name any of the signs of Raynaud’s.

Raynaud’s is a chronic condition that affects around 10 million people in the UK – around one in six – and has no cure. Cold temperatures and stress can trigger ‘attacks’, which causes blood vessels to constrict and temporarily stop blood flow, most commonly to the hands and feet. During an attack, affected areas turn white and blue, and become numb. As the blood begins to return, limbs turn red and become painful.

For around 300,000 people it could also be a sign of a serious underlying condition, including the potentially life-threatening autoimmune condition, Scleroderma. The charity says early detection is vital to manage Raynaud’s symptoms effectively, minimise attacks and diagnose any underlying illnesses.

Common signs of Raynaud’s are extremely cold hands and feet, chilblain-like inflammation and colour changes to the skin. However, SRUK has found that many people do not think these would warrant a GP visit.

In Scotland, around one in four of those surveyed (24 percent) reported experiencing extremely cold fingers and/or toes more than once, but 47 percent said they would not see their doctor if they experienced this regularly.

Likewise, more than four in 10 (43 percent) said they would not visit their GP over frequent colour changes in the skin, despite nearly one in five (19 percent) reporting this as something they have experienced more than once. Meanwhile, one in two people (50 percent) said they would not book a GP appointment for frequent chilblains on their hands and feet.

Sue Farrington, SRUK Chief Executive, said: “Raynaud’s is as common as hay fever or arthritis and can have just as big an impact on daily life if not more so, but these figures highlight just how woefully unaware most of us are.

“Raynaud’s itself is not life-threatening, but it can be very painful and have a huge impact on everyday life – during an attack, simple things like buttoning a coat, turning a key in a front door or handling bank cards can become virtually impossible.

“Around 3 million people with the condition have to live with this all year round and attacks can be difficult to manage, particularly without any expert health advice. It may also be a sign of something more serious, so it’s not something to be swept under the carpet and ignored – it’s vital people know the signs and visit their GP.”

In Scotland, around one in four people surveyed (24 percent) reported that they would be less likely to visit their GP if they were to experience extremely cold hands and feet or chilblain-like inflammation because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Claire, 46, who lives near Glasgow in Scotland, has been living with Raynaud’s since her twenties. Initially dismissing the symptoms, she was formally diagnosed at the age of 40.

Claire said: “Even just opening the fridge and taking something out like the milk carton can affect my fingers. When I’m making dinner, if I take a plate out of the cupboard, the coldness of the plate – or even the cutlery – can start a Raynaud’s attack. It’s horrendous. It takes about half an hour to get the feeling back into my fingers.”

Claire says she regrets not seeing her GP earlier: “I do wonder if I had been diagnosed earlier whether my Raynaud’s have become this severe, but I didn’t want to bother them with what I thought was a little nerve damage.

This February, Raynaud’s Awareness Month, SRUK is calling on adults to make time to understand the signs of Raynaud’s and for those who may be experiencing symptoms to take the charity’s simple online test.

The test, which has been developed in conjunction with clinical experts and delivers results in around 60 seconds, will allow people to find out more about Raynaud’s, how to manage it and advise if a GP visit is required.

For more information about Raynaud’s, the signs to look out for and how to manage symptoms, or take SRUK’s online test, visit www.sruk.co.uk/testme

Heart of Newhaven crowdfunder goes live today

Please help kickstart our heart!

Heart of Newhaven Community’s Crowdfunding campaign goes live today, St Valentine’s day. What better day to launch what we hope will help us all fulfil our ambition of creating a vibrant Heart, full of life and vitality and shared and used by the wide, ever-growing community?

You can help us bring the Heart to life as soon as possible, by making a donation.

You can find out all about it on our website and following the link, or by going direct to the Crowdfunding website. You’ll find FAQs and get some idea of what the first funds are needed for.

You can remain anonymous or choose one of our rewards depending on the amount you give, but remember that it doesn’t matter how small or how large it is. It all adds up.

You know all about the ambition, now help fund the reality as we move closer and closer to creating the living, beating heart of the community.

Please look at the poster button at the bottom of this newsletter. They are the posters that will soon be appearing in the area. If you can possibly print out one or two of your favourites, and put them in your windows or send them to friends or colleagues that would be wonderful.

The better the coverage, the better the response and the quicker we can get the Heart beating.

Please help us kickstart our Heart!

https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/help-us-kickstart-our-heart

CrowdFunder Posters

New funds for drugs services

Applications for additional support open this week

Two funds, worth £1 million each, will open this week to support grassroots, community and residential organisations to improve drugs services.

A £1 million Grassroots Fund will provide resources to third sector organisations to enable them to increase capacity and provide further reach into the community. Eligible organisations must have an annual income under £1 million and can apply for grants up to £50,000.

A £1 million Improvement Fund will support service development and increases to capacity across residential and community services. It will consider applications for grants up to £100,000.

The funding is part of the £5 million support package announced by the First Minister last month to ensure immediate action on addressing Scotland’s drug deaths emergency before the end of this financial year.

Minister for Drugs Policy Angela Constance said: “I am delighted to support grassroots and third sector organisations to extend their services.

“The Grassroots Fund will help organisations working on the frontline that do vital and invaluable work. They often exist on shoestring budgets and this extra funding can help provide more security so they can stabilise or increase capacity and extend services to provide further reach into the community for people who experience problem drug use and their families.

“The Improvement Fund will help us get more people into treatment. We know the number of individuals who drop out of support and treatment services is too high. This funding will support activities which lead to quick access to treatment and support for families. It can also be used for residential rehabilitation and collaborative approaches which help people address all the underlying challenges that they face.

“A national mission is needed – those whose life is blighted by drugs are our relatives, our friends, our neighbours. Our vision is for a culture of change: a culture of compassion devoid of stigma in which people are given a real chance of recovery.”

The Corra Foundation will administer both funds. Both will open to bids on 18 February 2021. All allocations will be made before 31 March 2021.

https://www.corra.scot/about/

Scottish-Pakistani comedian ‘Highly Commended’ at Women of The Future Awards

Scottish-Pakistani presenter, comedian, journalist, writer and producer, Zara Janjua has been named one of the UK’s most talented up-and-coming women, winning ‘Highly Commended’ as a finalist for Women of The Future Awards in the Media Category.

Zara is a ‘multi-hyphen’ TV professional and human rights advocate who champions diversity, equality and women’s rights. She works on a 50:50 model, dedicating half her time to philanthropic media projects.

She has worked for BAFTA, NTA and RTS award-winning TV shows including This Morning on ITV. The stand-up comic has presented BBC comedy shows, daytime and news on STV. She is also in the BBC Comedy Writersroom and was shortlisted for the Funny Women Comedy Writing Award 2020.

Zara Janjua said: “I am delighted to be highly commended as a finalist for this incredible award. It means a lot to have my work recognised by such an impressive panel of inspirational people.”

The media panel included Julie Brown, CFO & COO, Burberry Julia Pasaron, Editor, I-M Intelligent Magazine and John O’Brien MBE, Managing Partner EMEA, One Hundred, Omnicom Group.

Zara promotes multiple income streams for women. After going full-time self-employed four months before the pandemic hit, Zara continued to successfully expand her career and build her business. She has developed courses in virtual/livestream presenting and ‘Dynamic Directions’ to help others discover flexibility and opportunities in their life and is now writing a book about it.

Zara said: “With unemployment at record levels, and women disproportionately affected, I want to help people discover passions and create opportunities in their lives.”

Zara debuted as a filmmaker last year, with a documentary about marginalised and disabled women in Nepal. She fronted an award-winning campaign for Solace Women’s Aid about domestic violence in lockdown and has presented multicultural events for NatWest and a podcast about inspirational businesswomen for The Royal Bank of Scotland.

Zara added: “Throughout my career I have been supported by talented women who have helped me to develop and given me confidence to realise my ambitions. It’s important for me to pass that kindness on and use my skills to create positive change.”

Zara is looking forward to travelling to Tanzania in September for her second philanthropic filming project as she scales the highest free-standing mountain in the world – Kilimanjaro, for CHAS (Children’s Hospice Association Scotland).

The online awards ceremony took place on Thursday, February 4 and were attended by HRH The Countess of Wessex, Miriam González Durántez, International Lawyer and Founder of Inspiring Girls International, Sara Davies MBE, Founder and Creative Director of Crafters Companion.

Finalists will become part of the network and will have the opportunity to attend the University of Oxford’s Said Business School, undertaking courses in Leadership, Negotiation and Career Strategy.

The Women of the Future Awards, founded by Pinky Lilani CBE DL in 2006, were conceived to provide a platform for the remarkable female talent in the UK.

The awards recognise the inspirational stars of tomorrow across diverse sectors. HRH The Countess of Wessex is the Global Ambassador, Cherie Blair is patron and Baroness Gabrielle Bertin is Chair of the Awards judging panel.

The Women of The Future Awards are supported by The Financial Times, Oxford University, CNBC and The Queen’s Commonwealth Trust.

Avian Influenza outbreak: what you need to know

Bird keepers in Scotland are reminded to maximise biosecurity and keep their flocks housed after avian influenza (H5N1) was confirmed in a flock of approximately 14,000 mixed gamebirds on a gamebird rearing premises in Leven, Glenrothes.

Laboratory results of samples taken from the flock have identified the strain as highly pathogenic in poultry. In order to limit the further spread of disease, appropriate restrictions have been imposed on the premises.

A Protection Zone (PZ) of 3 km and a Surveillance Zone (SZ) of 10 km have now been put in place around the infected premises to limit the risk of spread of the disease. Within these zones a range of controls are in place, including restrictions on the movement of poultry, carcasses, eggs, used poultry litter and manure.

Legislation for the H5N1 strain require a Restricted Zone (RZ) to also be declared. However, this RZ will also be 10 km and will have the same extent as the PZ and SZ, with no additional measures.

Public health advice remains that the risk to human health from the virus is very low and food standards bodies advise that avian influenzas pose a very low food safety risk for UK consumers, and it does not affect the consumption of poultry products including eggs.

Producers and bird keepers are reminded to comply with the order to house birds that came in to effect on the 14 December 2020, or ensure they are kept separate from wild birds and follow biosecurity procedures.

Minister for Rural Affairs and the Natural Environment Ben Macpherson said: “Following this confirmation I have put in place controls required under domestic and EU legislation that will help control any further spread of the disease in the surrounding area.

“We ask that the public remain vigilant and report any findings of dead wild birds. People should not handle the birds. ”

Scotland’s Chief Veterinary Officer Sheila Voas said: “This highly pathogenic strain of avian influenza (H5N1) has been confirmed on a farm of approximately 14,000 mixed gamebirds with high mortality in the last few days. All remaining birds are being humanely culled for disease control purposes.

“It is vital that keepers take steps to improve their biosecurity and protect their birds from disease. Keepers who are concerned about the health or welfare of their flock should seek veterinary advice immediately. Your private vet, or your local Animal and Plant Health Agency office, will also be able to practical provide advice on keeping your birds safe from infection.”

How to have a Michelin star Valentine’s Day meal at home

Valentine’s Day this year, like so many other occasions, will be very different from what we’re used to. But that doesn’t mean you can’t recreate a romantic meal for two from the comfort of your own home.

To help make Valentine’s Day a night to remember, Rebecca Snowden, Interior Style Advisor at Furniture And Choice, alongside a leading Michelin starred front of house manager, reveal how to create a romantic, Michelin star worthy dinner.

Get the lighting right

Rebecca says: “Candles go hand-in-hand with romance thanks to the ambience they create when the lights are turned down low. Placing as many as is safe around the dining room and on the table itself will help create a lovely atmosphere.”

Dimitri Marqueteau, Front of House Manager at Michelin Starred restaurant Bohemia, adds: “For a romantic evening, don’t forget candles, but not a scented one as this could distract from the food. The light from candles rather than harsh light from modern bulbs will set the scene and bring a warmth to the room.”

Pay attention to the little things

Achieving a Michelin star involves painstaking judging, which means every tiny detail needs to be just right. When it comes to setting your table, Dimitri advises: “White tablecloths are a must to create that special feeling and they must be creaseless. We achieve this by re-ironing them when laid on the table, it is the small attention to detail that will be noticed on special occasions. All cutlery should be hand polished and placed perfectly on the table.”

Setting the table

Achieving an elegant dining table set-up needn’t be complicated but it can make all the difference when it comes to creating a cosy and romantic atmosphere. Rebecca advises: “When it comes to setting the table, keeping it simple is key for an elegant feel. Avoid clutter in the room and try not to overcrowd the table so you have plenty of space while dining. In particular, steer clear of any statement centrepieces, as these can easily get in the way of you both making eye contact, or perhaps holding hands across the table.”

Get your pre-dinner drinks just right

To get you in the mood, Dimitri advises: “Pre-dinner drinks are the perfect way to set the mood. For romantic meals, we always recommend starting with a Lanique Rose Fizz made with Lanique – Spirit of Rose, distilled from rose petals, topped up with Prosecco or Champagne. Valentine’s is definitely the evening to drink better rather than more, so select wines you know you both like and push the boat out a bit price wise, to really feel a bit special.”

Minimise your kitchen time

Nothing kills romance quite like having to run to and from the kitchen throughout the meal. Dimitri advises: “Ensure the food you select is easy to prepare or can be prepared in advance as you don’t want to have to be getting up and cooking all night, rather than being able to talk and laugh together. Consider the finish at home meal kits from top restaurants, to ensure the food is special, but simple to prepare so you and your partner can both enjoy your whole evening together.

If you’re not spending Valentine’s Day with your partner, there is no need to miss out on a romantic evening.

Rebecca offers her top tips on how to celebrate the season of love even if you can’t be physically together: “Valentine’s Day does not have to be just another day. Given the difficult times the country is facing, there is no better time to find the joy in little things and Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to dress up and sit down to a lovingly cooked meal.

“Of course, there will be many people across the country who can’t spend Valentine’s with their loved one this year. There are so many ways to connect virtually now to still make the most of the day, such as taking the time to cook and eat together over a video call, creating a shared playlist to listen to, or watching a movie together on a platform like Netflix Party.

“We hope these tips have got you in the mood for a romantic evening every Michelin starred restaurant would be proud of and have inspired you to do something different this Valentine’s Day.

“Whether you’re spending it with your loved one, family or even friends, this is an opportunity to feel connected and keep spirits high.”

Nine million drivers don’t know when their next MOT is due

Millions of drivers are at risk of being fined because they don’t know when their MOT is due, amid confusion caused by the MOT extension scheme introduced during the pandemic.

Some nine million* UK drivers (28% of all drivers) don’t know when they need to get their vehicle tested to ensure it meets required legal standards, according to a survey of 1,292 drivers by Total UK.

The majority of drivers also don’t know what the penalties are for failing to get their car’s MOT done on time. Some 53% of drivers believe the fine for not getting a MOT when it is due is three points on their driving licence, whereas they may receive a fixed penalty fee of £1,000 and risk the vehicle being impounded.

Drivers over the age of 55 are the most impacted, with one-third (33%) admitting they don’t know when their current certificate expires. Despite the lack of awareness of their MOT due dates among drivers, one in four say they worry about their MOT in case it shows there is something wrong with their car.

Many drivers are also failing to insure their vehicle properly, with four in ten (39%) believing their car doesn’t need to be insured if it is sitting in the drive or garage and 17% believing they only need insurance if they are driving it.

John Ryder, general manager of Total Lubricants’ UK Blending Plant, said: “The past year has certainly been one of great uncertainty and it seems this has extended to people not knowing when their MOT is due.

“Since the beginning of the first lockdown, people have been driving a lot less due to increased home working and less commuting so their cars and maintenance requirements, including getting their MOT done, have not been front of mind.

“The confusion stems from the MOT extension scheme which was introduced in March last year as lockdown restrictions limited people’s movements to all but essential travel. However, it is important that drivers do not miss their MOT to ensure their car insurance remains valid, that vehicles are roadworthy and meet the necessary standards.”

Drivers in Bristol were least likely to know when their MOT is due with four out of ten admitting they do not know when it is up for renewal. Drivers in Newcastle are most on top of their annual vehicle health check, with nine out of ten drivers knowing when their next MOT is due.

Almost one in five drivers (17%) admit to having driven their car knowing there was something wrong with it.

The MOT extension scheme advised drivers with a test due after March 30, 2020 that they would get an extra six months automatically added to their existing MOT certificate, meaning their tests would not be due until September 30, 2020 at the earliest.

The MOT extension scheme has now ended and despite the latest lockdown, Total UK is advising drivers to check when their MOT is due and get an appointment booked in order to ensure their current test certificate does not expire.

Once a MOT test certificate has expired, if the vehicle is more than three years old, the only journey a driver is permitted to make is to the garage for a pre-booked MOT appointment.

To view the research and for further information, visit:

https://www.total.co.uk/news/9-million-drivers-dont-know-when-MOT-due