THE owner of a Swindon car dealership has stopped the collection of new cars from his showroom because he feels it is "the right thing to do" as Covid-19 runs rampant.

Dominic Threlfall is the managing director of Hyundai and Suzuki franchise Pebley Beach. Like many other car dealerships, he offered a click-and-collect system when the third lockdown began on January 4.

But as Covid cases remain high in Swindon and a critical incident is ongoing at Great Western Hospital, Mr Threlfall has decided to stop allowing drivers to order a car online and pick it up from the showroom.

He is thought to be the first UK motor dealer to make this decision, and did so because it went "against the spirit" of lockdown.

Mr Threlfall said: "I've been uncomfortable allowing click and collect for car sales. This does have a massive impact on our business, but I think it is the right thing to do.

"In my view, a new car is not essential and we have all been kidding ourselves or making the best of a bad opportunity."

Mr Threlfall said he would honour orders already placed by click and collect with deliveries to motorist's homes but would not offer future collections until the lockdown is lifted.

He said he had taken the decision with the best interests of his staff and the local community at heart.

He maintains that though the click-and-collect service offered by car dealers is perfectly safe, especially compared to other industries, it is "just morally wrong".

This has sparked a heated debate in the rest of the British motor industry.

The Pebley Beach boss added: “I’ve had a massive amount of support from industry colleagues, mostly by private message, as they fear reprisals from their manufacturer partners, who are still issuing targets and getting us to chase car sales."

The move was welcomed on social media. One customer hailed it a 'brave but very sensible' decision. Another, who works for the NHS, thanked him on behalf of critical workers in the town.

Pebley Beach will continue to offer aftersales services and MoTs, which the firm considers vital to keeping key workers on the road.