Inquiry to look at effects of Brexit on freight operators

The Transport Committee has launched an inquiry to gain an insight into how Brexit will affect the different needs of freight operators.

Brexit could affect hauliers in different ways depending on their operations and business needs.

For example, For some, the timeliness of deliveries is crucial; for others, it's the cost of moving freight. The arrangements of perishable goods will be different from raw materials for manufacturing or parts for assembly.

Although UK and EU negotiators have now agreed a Brexit transitional period to run until December 2020, the pressure is on to determine what is required, what can be delivered in the time available, for the smooth operation of freight.

The inquiry does not consider border and custom arrangements, trade deals or tariffs, but looks at the 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.

The Committee is particularly interested in understanding the scale and nature of the challenges and opportunities Brexit presents to UK freight companies and their customers.

It would also like to know the adequacy of steps being taken by freight companies, their representatives bodies, their customers and the Government in preparation for the challenges and opportunities of Brexit.

The inquiry also asks for views on requirements for additional Government funding, or other changes to Government funding plans, particularly in relation to transport infrastructure, to support the needs of freight.

It also calls for any new arrangements needed for the licencing, regulation and training of operators and workers in the freight sector after Brexit (including the adequacy of measures set out in the Haulage Permits and Trailer Registration Bill).