Britain’s Road Haulage Association (RHA) has called on members of the UK Parliament to avoid what it terms as the “disaster of a cliff edge Brexit.”

In a letter to MPs, RHA’s chief executive, Richard Burnett and national chairman, Andrew Howard, warned business will not be ready by 29 March when the UK is due to exit the European Union and said a transition period is essential to help industry adapt to new arrangements and regulations.

“An implementation period gives time for vital new processes and systems to be put in place across the supply chain such as efficient new border technology to avoid disastrous queues at Channel and North Sea ports and across the border between Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic,” noted an RHA statement.

Burnett and Howard cited “complacent failure” across government departments for a lack of understanding of the role haulage plays in the economy.

Eleven thousand lorries cross the Channel each day, with the RHA maintaining a two-minute customs check would lead to a 20-mile traffic jam.

“If preparations for customs and other border tasks were under control we would not be needing massive holding areas for lorries and would not need back-up ferry services,” added the RHA.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.