National Haulage Body Seeks Brexit Deal For HGV Drivers

National haulage industry body the Road Haulage Association (RHA) has called for a solution to potential Brexit-related chaos for HGV drivers.  The RHA’s 7,000 members operate 100,000 HGVs both in the UK and around the world, and they are acting on behalf of their members to smooth the path for international haulage post-Brexit. In an appeal to the UK and the EU, the RHA has asked for a Land Transport Agreement which will mean drivers can still get access to foreign roads without any problems.

As it stands, the rules on transporting goods from one country to another around Europe allow HGV drivers the freedom to move around as they need to. But with Brexit looming, and no details available as to how this might change once Britain has left Europe, the RHA is making Europe-based HGV drivers a priority. The RHA is asking for a continuation of the uninhibited access that licenced British HGV drivers have to European roads, and that European drivers have to British roads. With a Land Transport Agreement in place, the transporting of goods between Britain and Europe would be able to carry on, for the benefit of businesses and consumers on both sides.

RHA chief executive, RIchard Burnett, said: “This simple approach is not revolutionary, similar agreements are already in place. What this will do is provide confidence to the road haulage industry in the UK and the EU that the rules we all work to will be clear and transparent.

“We are consulting our members on this proposal and will be sharing it with partner trade bodies in Europe. We all need a system that works well for UK, Irish, French and other EU road haulage operators. There is plenty of time for anyone using cabotage arrangements as part of their supply chain to consider how they may have change the way work after Brexit.”

Much of the discussion around Brexit at the moment is focused on the free movement of people, and also Britain’s access to the single European market. But the haulage industry is often overlooked, despite being a combination of both of these issues. We will keep you informed about HGV drivers’ access to Europe as the RHA’s efforts continue.

Read more about the RHA’s Land Transport Agreement.