EU and UK negotiators reached a promising breakthrough in the Brexit negotiations regarding a comprehensive withdrawal agreement which was backed by UK Prime Minister and its Cabinet yesterday. For the road transport industry, this new step is encouraging as it paves the way for further negotiations on a post-Brexit arrangement, including transport and customs issues.
Matthias Maedge, who leads IRU's work in the EU, comments: “IRU welcomes this development. The persisting uncertainty is detrimental for the road transport operators' preparations for Brexit. The UK is the EU’s second biggest trading partner and 70% of the goods traded go by road transport. 2.6 million trucks pass through the Port of Dover annually. Road freight transport is the backbone of the European economy and we hope that the road transport industry will get clarity on post-Brexit arrangements soon.”
IRU would like to encourage Governments and Parliaments on both sides of the Channel to continue the dialogue and build a constructive economic relationship between the EU and UK which road transport can support to thrive.