European truck drivers could enter Britain without a permit in the event of a chaotic no-deal Brexit according to a proposal introduced to the British government on Tuesday. Britain hopes Brussels would show similar flexibility in return, as Reuters reports about the recent negotiations on Brexit.
Over 80% of haulage between the UK and continental Europe is undertaken by EU hauliers and it is important to ensure that the UK’s supply chains are protected. The UK needs to be sure that foreign products can be imported and UK products exported as usual – explains Jesse Norman, the Minister of State for Transport.
According to the minister, the British government will continue to license UK hauliers to the same high safety, environmental and operating standards as at present, and will require foreign hauliers operating in this country to do the same. The legislation also provides for continued access to the UK market, after exit, for hauliers from the 27 EU member states.
The European Commission has proposed legislation that would allow UK hauliers fundamental rights to conduct operations to, from and through the EU for a limited period of 9 months after 29 March – if there is no deal. The Commission’s proposal will need to be agreed by the Council and European Parliament and is being considered by both institutions urgently.
Huge risks of no-deal Brexit
If the British Government fails to reach an agreement with Brussels on hauliers, customs and other operations of import and export before March, long queues of trucks and chaos are expected on the British borders. Reason? A massive increase in the number of formalities and customs controls, informs The Guardian.
There are only 7 weeks to go until Brexit.
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