IRU and 32 transport business groups and road transport associations from across Europe call on EU and UK negotiators to reach a Brexit deal for the sake of consumers and the economy.
In an open letter to Michel Barnier and David Frost coordinated by IRU, the signatories called on both parties to reach a deal protecting the ongoing movement of heavy goods vehicles between the EU and UK, as well as allowing transit through their respective territories without the introduction of haulage permits and quota systems. A free trade agreement between the two sides would protect supply chains and support economies. Each year more than 2.3 million trucks travel between the UK and EU.
“Commercial road transport has heavily suffered during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the 2020 revenue loss for European goods transport operators estimated at EUR 64 billion. Additional costs incurred due to the absence of a UK-EU agreement at the end of the year would be another blow for businesses and should be avoided by any means,” said Raluca Marian, IRU General Delegate to the EU.
Without a free trade agreement, European and UK operators would face a patchwork of fragmented national arrangements, with higher costs, slower journey times and potential shortages for consumers.
“The European and UK road haulage industry is calling on negotiators to come to an agreement. Transparency is needed regarding the new operational environment in order to allow the industry sufficient time to prepare for new circumstances,” concluded Raluca Marian.
Time is of the essence.
About IRU
IRU is the world road transport organisation, the voice of more than 3.5 million mobility and logistics operators through members in more than 80 countries. IRU advocates for road transport and the crucial role it plays in driving prosperity, safety and sustainability.
IRU facilitates goods transport globally, particularly through the TIR system that allows goods to cross borders more quickly, securely and efficiently. TIR is used by 64 countries worldwide, including by EU member states and the UK for more than 70 years.
Efficient adaptation of the TIR system to border procedures for goods transport between the UK and the EU will help prevent disruptions when the Brexit transition period ends. For more information about TIR, please click here.