Gibraltar breakthrough shows way forward to fix EES threat to British drivers

The removal of the physical border between Gibraltar and Spain this week, ending routine checks at the land frontier, is a significant and positive step – and proof that practical, flexible border solutions can be found when all sides commit to finding them.

That same pragmatism and political will must now be applied by the UK Government and the European Commission when it comes to the Entry/Exit System. Since EES became fully operational, stricter enforcement of the Schengen 90/180-day rule has left British professional drivers rapidly running out of days for international work – limiting the jobs operators can take on, adding costs and weakening supply chain resilience.

Inconsistent use of biometric systems is only adding to that concern, with hauliers and coach operators worried about their livelihoods, and coach companies warning of serious delays when taking British tourists in and out of the EU.

Make no mistake – British jobs and livelihoods are on the line. Drivers who run out of days can't work, and operators who can't use them are losing contracts to EU competitors who face no such limits.

Gibraltar shows us that common sense can prevail and practical arrangements can be negotiated. A professional driver exemption from the 90/180-day rule would be huge for the hauliers, coach operators and van drivers keeping trade and tourism moving between the UK and EU. Restricting access for British drivers supporting European supply chains and tourism does nothing to help the UK-EU trade relationship.

We want EES and its impact on the transport sector to be at the top of the agenda when Government Ministers next sit down with the European Commission. We look forward to engaging with new Ministers to make that a reality.