The Road Haulage Association (RHA)  is deeply concerned at the continuing refusal from Brussels to grant British truckers the access to Europe they need to keep the UK supply chain moving.

Not allowing them the same access rights that the UK is willing to negotiate with the EU will severely damage businesses on both sides of the Channel.

RHA chief executive, Richard Burnett said: “The UK Government is trying to provide symmetry but in terms of market access the EUs position is far more damaging because of the balance, or imbalance, of trade.

“85% of the volume of goods that come into the UK is moved by European hauliers – UK operators are responsible for the movement of only 15%.

“The government approach is to try and negotiate access to the EU while trying to maintain symmetry, but the EU’s current decision puts them at a disadvantage. Maintaining the supply chain between the Great Britain and the rest of Europe can only be achieved on a level playing field.

“The UK is taking a liberal view – suggesting that cabotage remains on the table. But symmetry works both ways. If the EU remains adamant to remove cabotage, the UK will have no choice but to follow suit.

“If this is the outcome then the intransigence of the EU means that they will be shooting themselves in the foot.”

Road Haulage Association

About the Author: John Loughran