A GARAGE owner is offering free MOT-style tests to keep key workers safe on the roads.

Last month, the Government announced that drivers will not have to refresh their MOTs for six months amid the coronavirus lockdown.

But Bolney Grange Garage owner George Joseph said his firm wanted to make sure those on the roads keeping others safe are driving roadworthy vehicles.

He said: “There will be a lot of cars on the road that haven’t been checked over and could have defects.

“We’re offering to do a free check to make sure that key workers’ cars are fit to drive.

“We’ll have a look over the vehicle and make sure the tyres aren’t worn, which could land them with three points on their licence, and that there isn’t anything imminently going to cause the vehicle to break down and stop them going about their work.”

The garage is also offering key workers and those helping in the effort to cope with the pandemic a 20 per cent labour rate discount.

Though garages have been allowed to remain open for essential repair work, George said many have since fallen on hard times and closed down.

George said: “There are going to be fewer of us here – but we want to stay

open and help these people out.”

• At The Argus, we are championing the work of traders during the coronavirus pandemic as part of our #BackingSussexBusiness campaign. We are always interested to hear how the community is coming together in this crisis. If you know of a local business battling to do all it can in these tough times and/or offering support to the local community, please get in touch at laurie.churchman@theargus.co.uk and rose.lock@theargus.co.uk.