UK minister in crucial dialogue with EU road transport operators to clarify Brexit plans

EUROPE | BRUSSELS

UK minister in crucial dialogue with EU road transport operators to clarify Brexit plans

16 DEC 2020 · PROSPERITY

IRU has organised a crucial dialogue between senior UK government figures responsible for Brexit planning and border crossing issues and leading European road haulage companies.

UK Transport Minister Grant Shapps, IRU President Radu Dinescu and IRU Vice President Aslı Çalık kicked off a productive discussion and exchange of views on customs procedures and UK readiness for TIR, logistical arrangements for trucks and drivers on the UK side of the border, and communication and support resources for operators.

With a little over two weeks until the Brexit transition period ends on 31 December, IRU Secretary General Umberto de Pretto stressed that European companies, and the IRU members representing them, still have many questions over how border transit arrangements will work from January.

Deputy transport minister Rachel Maclean, Treasury (Finance) Deputy Minister Lord Agnew and other senior transport and customs officials briefed the companies on extensive UK preparations. The CEOs of five haulage companies, from Bulgaria, Hungary, Lithuania, Poland, and Spain, raised key questions. 

On customs and transit arrangements, the UK government said it is ready for increased TIR transits between the EU and the UK at all major ports. UK authorities also briefed companies on extensive plans for road traffic management and driver facilities in the UK, most notably in the county of Kent along approach roads to the Dover and Eurotunnel ports. 

Addressing concerns about long queues, prioritisation for fresh food transports, conditions for drivers and general uncertainty, the UK has released a detailed Hauliers Handbook in 14 languages that summarises all information needed for drivers and operators entering or leaving the UK from 1 January. 

The UK’s new Check an HGV system is also now online, with information for drivers on the paperwork required to leave the UK. Drivers can use the system to register for a Kent Access Permit, which is mandatory for all heavy goods vehicles leaving the UK via ports in Kent.

Yesterday, IRU released a CAD document (for IRU members who issue TIR carnets) with updated and detailed information on TIR procedures on both the UK and EU sides from 1 January. 

IRU will continue to update members on major road and border issues throughout the transition period via our Flash Info service.