- targeted communications campaign launched to help hauliers
prepare
- Operation Brock to be made enforceable in Kent, helping to
mitigate and reduce any disruption
-
ECMT
permit application window announced
The government has today (22 October 2020) announced a series of
measures to help keep trade flowing by minimising the risk of
disruption at the end of the transition period.
Following consultation with industry, legislation to enable the
enforcement of Operation
Brock – the traffic management
strategy in Kent – has been brought forward to ensure the
plans can be implemented if needed. The move will help to reduce
the risk of disruption as hauliers travel through Kent to reach
the Short Straits – one of Britain’s busiest trade routes.
The new rules confirm that it will be mandatory for all heavy
goods vehicles (HGVs)
using the Short Straits channel crossings to obtain a digital
Kent Access Permit (KAP),
following completion of the government’s new easy-to-use ‘Check
an HGV’ service. This
will ensure that HGV
drivers who come prepared can move smoothly through Kent to the
UK’s trading ports.
The news comes as the government this week launches an
information campaign preparing hauliers for the new customs
procedures. The targeted campaign will use radio, press and
digital advertising to make sure that hauliers are aware of the
upcoming changes and have the correct documentation for each
stage of their journey, reducing the risk of delays at the
border.
Secretary of State for Transport said:
New opportunities mean new ways of doing things, and it’s
sensible that we plan for all scenarios including the risk of
short-term disruption to our busiest trade routes.
By putting in place these plans we’re ensuring Kent keeps
moving, our fantastic haulage industry is supported, and trade
continues to flow as we embark on our future as a fully
independent state.
Alongside this, a haulier handbook will be made available in 14
different languages, acting as a one-stop-shop for UK and EU hauliers, providing them with
key information and advice. In November, hauliers will also be
able to visit one of 45 ‘Information and Advice Sites’ at key
strategic locations across the UK, offering in-person assistance on how
to apply for the documents needed to keep them travelling to,
from and through the EU.
As part of the campaign, hauliers are also being encouraged to
apply for an European Conference of Ministers of Transport
(ECMT)
permit as a precautionary measure. Following the end of the
transition period, ECMTpermits
may be needed to support hauliers accessing the EU.
The government has also announced today that it will prioritise
the journeys of a small number of HGVs with exports that are very
time-sensitive – such as fresh and live seafood, and day-old
chicks.
