Royal Assent has been given to the new The Haulage Permits and Trailer Registration Act, which has been introduced as part of the preparation for the UK’s departure from the EU next year.
The act relates to an operator permit scheme, and gives the government the ability to create one should it be required once the UK has officially left the EU.
As set out in the government’s recent whitepaper, its aim in its negotiations with the EU is to retain reciprocal access for road hauliers. However in the event that the UK’s future exit required a permitted system, the government has put in place the legal framework to allow one.
Chris Grayling, Transport Secretary, commented:
“Royal Assent of the Haulage Permits and Trailer Registration Act is a significant step in our preparations for exiting the European Union. The haulage industry is at the heart of our trading relationship with the EU and we are confident that we will reach an agreement to maintain the current liberal access that is beneficial to both sides.
“But these powers give us the flexibility to have systems in place if a permit system is required and provides reassurance for hauliers to continue planning for a smooth EU exit.”
The key elements of the act include:
- establishment of a framework for the regulation and enforcement of existing permit arrangements with non-EU countries which may be used, if necessary, to manage permits arrangement with EU, ensuring hauliers can obtain the necessary paperwork to provide services after the UK leaves the EU
- the establishment of a trailer registration scheme allowing UK trailers users to meet the registration standards outlined in the 1968 Vienna Convention – this will ensure UK operators driving on the continent can comply with the requirements of those EU countries which require the registration of all trailers travelling on their roads
Brexit Discussed at the Microlise Transport Conference
As a forum for the key issues effecting the transport industry, Brexit was the topic of a special breakout panel at Microlise Transport Conference in May.
Take a look at the video below, which features conference host Quentin Willson as moderator, along with panellists Richard Burnett of the RHA, Neil Gould representing CILT and Graham Lackey of operator Brit European.
The Microlise Transport Conference returns on the 15th May, 2019. Visit the conference website to register and to learn more.
