We need a Brexit deal, warns FTA

The Freight Transport Association has called on the government to press for a Brexit deal – after seeing the latest documents on what a no-deal Brexit would mean for freight transport.

It picked up on the fact that the UK driving licence would only be accepted in partnership with an international driving permit, saying it would create delays and confusion for many operators – many of which might not even be aware that they would require additional paperwork.

And it is concerned that no detail has been provided on the issue of whether permits will be required by vehicles travelling to and from the continent.

“No detail has yet been provided on the issue of whether permits will be required by vehicles travelling to and from Europe – and time is marching on.

“At this point, we expect only 1,224 permits to be made available to UK hauliers every year if they wish to travel to the European Union – that number pales into insignificance when you consider that the Port of Dover can handle up to 10,000 vehicle movements each day,” said Pauline Bastidon, head of European policy.

“Without a significant improvement in the planned number of accepted permits for HGVs travelling across the border, there is a very real threat to the integrity of the UK’s supply chain, and delays and product shortages could be a reality while alternative suppliers are sourced and arranged.

“Unavoidable queues would quickly build up as hauliers wait for permits to be returned to the UK, and delays would be inevitable. Hauliers will not be able to travel without the requisite documentation, so this must be front and centre for negotiations when they resume, while hauliers should prepare for additional levels of red tape and administrative tasks, and a learning period as they adapt to the new regimes.”

The FTA also warned that there is still no clarification on how air freight will be able to move into and out of the UK without a new access agreement.