The UK government has published a series of technical notices that set out plans to be put into place in the unlikely situation the UK leaves the European Union (EU) without a suitable Brexit deal, with the Department for Transport (DfT) publishing six documents detailing the scenario’s impact on all forms of travel.
The government remains confident of a deep and special partnership with the EU following Brexit and a mutually advantageous deal with Europe continues to be the most likely outcome.
However, the DfT is taking the sensible step of putting in place contingency measures to ensure holidaymakers and businesses can continue to travel and export after Brexit. The information contained in the DfT’s detailed reports demonstrates the potential impact a no deal scenario will have on areas of transport policy, including the haulage industry and those driving in, and flying to and from, Europe. The government says UK citizens planning a trip to Europe in the short term do not need to take immediate action, and it will set out clearly and in good time, what additional steps may be required.
For business, a more proactive approach will be necessary to ensure new procedures are in place for March 2019 and details are given in the notices. Included in measures recommended by the government today are:
• Freight and haulage companies may want to take steps now to prepare for future permitting and trailer registration requirements, and to ensure drivers have the right documentation;
• The aviation industry should review potential implications for supply chains and staff with specialist qualifications.
The government will set out additional practical measures for other transport sectors in due course. The notices are in addition to the ongoing active engagement the DfT will continue to have with stakeholders across the transport sector to discuss impacts and opportunities from EU Exit.
