The Road Haulage Association says the government must engage urgently with the haulage industry to avoid border and customs chaos after Brexit.
Chief Executive Richard Burnett has told a discussion at the House of Commons that the industry hasn’t had the engagement with ministers it should have had: “We have a different view of what immediate means. To us it means now.
“If government supports us we will support them to achieve a successful Brexit.”
Hosted by the member of Parliament for Dover, Charlie Elphicke, Richard Burnett stressed how the movement of HGVs is fundamental to the productivity and competitiveness of the UK and the EU.
“Maintaining efficient movements across the UK/EU borders post Brexit is in everyone’s interest,” he said.
“Why?” he asked. “Because this is the most challenging task the supply chain has ever faced and we have to get It right – first time. Get it wrong and the result will be the permanent imposition of Operation Stack scenarios on the roads to all ferry ports.
“Right now, businesses do not know what customs will be demanding from importers and exporters. This is by far and away the most important thing that needs to be sorted quickly.
“Time is running out,” he continued. “There needs to be a simple automated customs drill to ensure duty is paid from day one to avoid border queues – the like of which have never been seen before on either side of the Channel.”
