The British International Freight Association (BIFA) is urging members to make their views known as the UK Parliamentary Transport Committee launches an inquiry into the impact of Brexit on UK freight operations.
The inquiry will look into matters including the scale and nature of the challenges and opportunities Brexit presents to UK freight companies and their customers.
The adequacy of steps being taken by freight companies, their representative bodies, their customers and the government in preparation for the challenges and opportunities of Brexit will be examined.
It will look into the arrangements for the licencing, regulation and training of operators and workers in the freight sector after Brexit including measures set out in the Haulage Permits and Trailer Registration Bill.
BIFA’s director general, Robert Keen says: “The Transport Committee inquiry is offering freight operators and their diverse customers, the opportunity to specify their needs in regards to transport infrastructure. Though the terms of reference are wide, BIFA will be forthcoming about the issues involved and I hope that our members follow suit.”
He adds: “I share the opinion of the chair of the Committee, Lilian Greenwood MP, who said at the launch of the inquiry that whilst we’ve heard a lot about customs arrangements, border controls, tariffs and trade deals, we haven’t heard enough about transport infrastructure, policy and regulation implications affecting freight operators and their customers.”
The inquiry is not considering border and customs arrangements, trade deals or tariffs but will look at steps required to prepare for the challenges and opportunities of Brexit for UK freight, particularly through investment in transport infrastructure and changes to transport policy and regulation.
Keen adds: “There remains a great deal of uncertainty for UK freight operators and their customers. The implications of Brexit will vary across freight modes and types of freight. We are being given another chance to reiterate our concerns and tell the Government what is required to keep visible trade moving post-Brexit.”
Members have until 8 June to submit written evidence, which can be submitted here.
