Newark Motor Auctions’ comes up with novel way of enforcing social distancing as it returns to business

A company came up with a novel way of enforcing social distancing and giving customers peace of mind when it returned to business on Monday.

Newark Motor Auctions’ general manager Ian Carter bought several former phone kiosks, which have been added to the front of the office area, offering security and privacy for people paying for their vehicle purchases.

The kiosks cost around £800 each from a company that refurbishes them on Newark Industrial Estate.

Mr Carter said the feedback from those who had seen the phoneboxes so far had been positive with many saying that it was a fun idea promoting a serious message.

“To comply with the covid-19 regulations we upcycled four BT phoneboxes,” said Mr Carter.

“We cut holes in the back so people can make their payments.

“Until now we really had no means of properly separating people and giving our customers peace of mind and personal space.”

Newark Motor Auctions has been closed up until now.

Seven of 75 staff have so far returned to work and Monday’s auction featured 50 vehicles as opposed to the around 400 that were previously going under the hammer.