Britain’s Road Haulage Association (RHA) is urging the government put “all its energy” into making sure hauliers and traders are ready for Brexit.
The call comes as UK Transport Minister, Chris Heaton-Harris announced no-deal lorry queue contingency plans have been stepped up in the County of Kent, home to the vital port of Dover.
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RHA chief executive, Richard Burnett said he was satisfied Operation Brock will be ready in time but insists the government must focus on ensuring hauliers and traders are prepared for Brexit as quickly as possible.
“Firms need to know exactly what documentation is required to be Brexit-ready but there are still gaps in the government’s communications with business,” said Burnett.
“Time is running out – we need much clearer guidance on the processes for moving goods across borders if we’re to avoid delays and chaos at Channel ports.”
Operation Brock will go live on 28 October to manage any traffic disruption as Britain prepares to leave the European Union on 31 October and help keep trade moving in and out of the UK.
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By GlobalDataThe government has worked with the Kent Resilience Forum to implement the scheme, which will manage any delays to Europe-bound freight while protecting local roads from disruption.
It will keep the M20 open in both directions for all other traffic, with the government insisting this will minimise any impact on local residents, businesses and public services.
The news comes as the Department for Transport launches an information campaign to ensure hauliers know what to expect if they are travelling to the Port of Dover or Eurotunnel in a no-deal Brexit scenario.
“We want residents in Kent and hauliers travelling from across the EU to be reassured there are robust plans in place to deal with any disruption in the event of a no-deal Brexit,” said Heaton-Harris.
“We now need everyone to do their bit; whether you are travelling to see family, heading to work or transporting vital goods around the country, please check before you travel to ensure you know what to expect and have the right documents when heading to the border.”
