Red-tape and evolving regulations failing to match operational challenges of road transport

When I meet with trusted partners and decision-makers, I make the same point: Businesses in our space make sure construction continues, manufacturing thrives, and families can put food on their tables. A collaborative approach to campaigning and engagements has therefore become an essential part of tackling a range of current issues impacting HGV, Coach and Van operators.

The Entry/Exit System, operational from October, will fully enforce 90/180 day Schengen restrictions. As we've been highlighting, this impacts UK-based coach, haulage and live events businesses operating internationally, as their drivers will be restricted and penalised. Affected operators anticipate reducing workforces significantly, with many fewer EU journeys ahead. Some companies have already had to stop this part of their operation. Our call for a professional drivers' exemption is clear. We're working with other trade bodies and operators to lobby MPs and government departments to protect businesses and livelihoods.

Elsewhere, we recognise our sector's vital role in securing borders and we support proportional enforcement to prevent illegal entry to this country. However, newer concealment methods mean drivers and operators can be unfairly penalised, even when taking all reasonable measures. The current Clandestine Entrant Civil Penalty Scheme simply isn't working. Over 300 businesses wrote to the Home Secretary earlier this Summer asking for reform of the scheme and have called for more Home Office investment in Border Force technology. We'll continue to repeat this call.

As trade uncertainties continue to fracture GB-NI supply chains, delivering higher costs for businesses and increased prices for Northern Irish consumers, it's clear that the outworking of complicated Windsor Framework regulations are hampering trade, growth and opportunities. We've been clear for years that moving the 'at risk' goods definition to the point of sale, would adequately address many current issues. It's a straightforward fix that would reassure businesses facing these daily challenges. We'll continue to engage with Government and officials on this.

These are interconnected challenges requiring co-ordinated responses. Whether it's clandestine entrants, EES enforcement, or Windsor Framework complications, these issues demonstrate the vulnerability of supply chains when policy decisions, red-tape and evolving regulations don't match the real world operational realities of road transport.

The wider economic consequences of failing to address such issues stretches beyond any one industry. Our International Summit on 1 October brings together key stakeholders, including the IRU, American Trucking Associations, Truckers Against Trafficking, RHA members, trade bodies, and officials from DBT, DfT and the Home Office. This is a great opportunity to discuss a range of internationally focused matters and collaboratively work towards finding solutions.