The Road Haulage Association (RHA) has called on the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Michael Gove MP to act urgently so that goods can continue to flow across borders if there’s a ‘no-deal’ Brexit.

In a letter to the cabinet minister in charge of Brexit arrangements, RHA chief executive, Richard Burnett set out the measures he says would ensure high volumes of freight could continue moving if customs controls are introduced on 31 October.

He urged Mr Gove to press government departments to:

Produce clear guidance on how the whole end-to-end journey will operate
Open and authorise new and substantial customs facilities for transit
Introduce consolidated and simplified import safety & security declaration system
Launch emergency and free online customs training for traders
Make lorry holding facilities such as Operation Brock fit for purpose
Abolish the 22 percent tariff on new trucks

He said that the Association is frustrated with the previous government’s lack of progress in its Brexit preparations and believes that Whitehall officials have underestimated the complexities of international road haulage.

“We need to focus on the immediate action required for our industry to be prepared….the priority is very simple – to maximise the number of freight vehicles that can cross the border quickly to ensure the supply chain everyone is reliant upon can continue.”

Quick progress on the RHA’s six actions would minimise delays in the supply chain as customs sites and logistics firms face overwhelming bureaucracies, he added.

Road Haulage Association

About the Author: John Loughran