FTA urges operators to apply for ECMT permits over Brexit fears
The Freight Transport Association is advising commercial vehicle operators wanting to transport goods into EU-27 countries post-Brexit to apply for an ECMT permit as a no-deal Brexit is still a threat to UK businesses.
The applications for 2019’s European Conference of Ministers of Transport permits opened on 26 November 2018 and close on 21 December 2018. The expected allocation of permits is likely to cover only 5% of the current vehicle journeys made between the UK and EU, therefore operators risk being unable to travel in the event of a no-deal outcome.
“While FTA is relieved to see progress in the Brexit negotiations regarding the withdrawal agreement, until a deal is ratified, nothing is certain, and businesses should continue their contingency planning in case a No Deal exit occurs,” said FTA European policy manager Sarah Laouadi.
Likewise, “the number of ECMT permits available to British operators is painfully short of the required total,” continued Laouadi. “It is currently the only available contingency for hauliers to mitigate the risk of being barred from operating in Europe after Brexit.”