As of Monday 17th May, international travel to the UK has been governed by a new traffic light system. Although lorry drivers have long-been exempt from covid-related travel restrictions, there are still a number of rules truckers need to be aware of.
The rules regarding drivers of goods vehicles are explained in detail on the UK Government’s website. Here are the most important things to bear in mind:
The passenger locator form
Before you travel to the UK, you need to complete the passenger locator form. However, you do not need to take a COVID-19 test before you travel to the UK.
Rules for green or amber list countries
The following applies if you been in or through a green or amber list country, but not a red list country, in the 10 days before you arrive in England:
You must isolate away from other people in your cab during the time you are in England (please note this still permits leaving the cab for essential purposes, including the purchase of food, taking a COVID-19 test, seeking medical and emergency assistance, using wash facilities including using communal showers, exercise, carrying out work (such as deliveries, loading and unloading), ensuring your vehicle and load are roadworthy, finalising customs documentation at a Customs / HMRC inland border facility).
If you are a UK resident, you can quarantine at home for 10 days while not working.
You are still required to continue to test during this time. If you are staying in England longer than 2 days you will need to take a test on or before day 2, between days 3 and 5 and between days 6 and 8.
If you are travelling every day, you must take a lateral flow test at least once every 3 days.
Rules for red list countries (except Turkey)
Applies if you have been in a red list country (except Turkey) in the 10 days before you arrive in England.
You need to quarantine in a government approved hotel and take a COVID-19 test on day 2 and day 8.
Rules for Turkey only
Drivers who have been in or through Turkey in the 10 days before arrival in the UK do not need to quarantine in a hotel. If you are staying in the UK longer than 2 days you will need to take a test on or before day 2, between days 3 and 5 and between days 6 and 8.
If you are travelling every day, you must take a lateral flow test at least once every 3 days. You must also follow the stay-in-cab guidance in the UK.
Providing Evidence
You will need to show that your travel is part of your job, for example a letter from your employer, a consignment note or your operator’s licence.
Photo credit: Oast House Archive / Geograph UK