Brexit border infrastructure planning welcome, yet more needs to be done, says British Ports Association

The British ports Association has welcomed the new legislation introduced to fast track planning for Brexit, however, warns that there is still more to be done before the transition deadline.

Richard Ballantyne, chief executive of the British Ports Association said: “The legislation introduced to bypass the planning processes for border infrastructure in England is certainly a welcome move. However there is still a lot to be done to get ready for 2021.”

He added the the BPA wants to see a “swift roll-out” of the government’s infrastructure plans, so that the UK’s gateways to Europe are ready.

Ballantyne said: “The sensible and measured implementation of the new border requirements could be essential for all parts of the freight and logistics industry.”

This comes after the Road Haulage Association and logistics industry leaders urged the government for a meeting over Brexit, following concerns over its “slow progress” on talks.

Ballantyne concluded: “Further easements may be needed next year at the end of the transition period but that discussion needs to be held at high level.”

The British Ports Association represents 86% of UK port traffic, including all the main Roll-on Roll-off gateways such as Birkenhead, Dover, Killingholme, Newhaven, Pembroke, Plymouth, Poole, Portsmouth, Tyne, amongst others, which collectively facilitate tens of thousand of truck and trailer movements between Europe and the UK each day.