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.

Source IRU