UK Government transport proposal seeks continuity with EU after Brexit
11 June 2018
Continuity of air, maritime and rail services is at the heart of a framework document published by the government to discuss UK transport with the EU after Brexit.
The 19-page report, which details views on road, rail and air transport, stresses the UK’s need to protect the rights of road hauliers to access the EU market and vice versa.
In stressing the importance of aviation, it says: “We seek a comprehensive agreement on air transport, providing continuity of services and opportunities, supporting growth and innovation in the future.”
In 2017, 164m passengers travelled by air between the UK and the EU, with more than 185 airports in the EU having at least a weekly UK service.
A future partnership deal will be sought that ‘maintains connectivity’ and allows services to evolve, providing choice at affordable prices for citizens and businesses across Europe.
Such a deal would also: “Maintain arrangements for UK and EU licensed air carriers to operate air services to, from, and wholly within, the UK and EU on an equal basis.”
In the year ending March 2018, 3.5m road goods vehicles travelled from the UK to Europe; and, in 2017, UK heavy goods vehicles made 261,000 trips from the UK to mainland Europe and 83,000 trips from the UK to the Irish Republic. EU hauliers operate more than 80 per cent of freight transported by HGVs between the UK and continental Europe.
The report says: “The UK wants an enduring solution that negates the need for permits, additional documents, and systematic document checks for all road users.“
This would be supported by mutual recognition of licences, registration documents and roadworthiness testing as well as mutual recognition of operator licences and certificates of professional competence as well as compliance with international rules on matters such as drivers’ hours.”
In its conclusion, the report says: “The UK and EU will continue to be important partners, both for trade, and for citizens, whether travelling for tourism, or visiting family and friends. We should encourage connectivity and innovation, and avoid barriers whether through discrimination or process.”
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