MD View: Concerns over EES' introduction

Last week, our Senior Public Affairs Lead, Ashton Cull, attended a campaign event in Parliament to highlight the impact of the Schengen 90/180 restrictions.

A significant issue facing our sector is the limit on days that drivers can stay in the Schengen Zone - the 90/180 rule. 

The upcoming introduction of the EU Entry/Exit System will mean the 90/180 limit will be enforced and we are concerned that this change will have a severe impact on UK haulage and coach businesses carrying out international travel. UK hauliers and coach operators rely on UK drivers to enable trade and exports to Europe as well as imports to the UK.

We believe a professional drivers’ exemption from Schengen restrictions for those who are transporting goods or people between the UK and EU on a return journey is needed.

With the new Government determined to reset the UK’s relations with the EU, we will continue our dialogue with parliamentarians to ensure they understand the challenges British international hauliers and coach operators face when travelling to the EU.