UK HGV and coach operators have raised concerns that the 90 days out of 180 Schengen travel limit may not be sufficient for maintaining regular business operations within the EU. This limitation could affect companies employing non-EU drivers and staff, potentially leading to travel restrictions, fines, or other penalties if the limit is exceeded.
The RHA has launched a survey to collect information on how these regulations are affecting UK exports and coach travel.
“In order to demonstrate to Government the level of impact this will have on UK exports and coach travel, we are asking all members who currently engage in business in continental Europe to fill out this survey,” the call reads. “As any change in this area will necessitate renegotiation of the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement, it is only through demonstrating a significant impact to the UK economy will we have any chance of convincing the Government to pursue a solution. Therefore we need as many businesses who drive in the EU as possible to complete the survey.”
Both RHA and BIFA are urging all affected businesses to complete the survey by 10 August 2024.
This is not the first time the RHA has raised concerns about the post-Brexit 90/180 rule. Last summer, the association issued a warning to hauliers and drivers about the risk of violating these rules. The RHA highlighted a case where a lorry driver, working for an RHA member company, was penalised and barred from returning to the EU after overstaying the 90-day limit. The incident occurred in the Netherlands, where the driver was caught while dropping off a trailer.
The RHA stressed the importance of tracking the number of days drivers spend in the EU to avoid breaching the limit, particularly with the holiday season approaching. They warned that exceeding the 90/180 rule could lead to legal consequences for both drivers and their employers. The association urged employers to provide flexibility for personal and business travel to ensure compliance with the law.