The government of the United Kingdom is warning that under a worst-case scenario Brexit might cause long queues of 7,000 trucks in Kent, a contrasting assessment of the potential impact when the country exits the EU’s single market and customs union on December 31, 2020. Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove sent a letter to the UK border industry, saying that freight traffic between Dover and Calais may fall to 80% below average levels due to Brexit.
The worst-case scenario assumes that 70% of trucks bound to Europe are not prepared for new border controls and customs checks, the letter said. Gove also urged market participants to get ready for new formalities from now. Failure in reaching agreement on customs checks on trade with the EU will disrupt commerce with its largest trading partner and hence, add significant pressure to the kingdom’s economy.
Labour’s shadow cabinet office minister Rachel Reeves, said the government must be prepared and make sure the systems are working to avoid another impact to British and European businesses on top of the coronavirus health crisis. A spokesperson with the Cabinet Office said the government is working on extensive preparations involving a wide range of scenarios.
Responding to the letter, the director-general of the British International Freight Association Robert Keen said the government should not make freight workers villains of the possible scenario. He instead, urged the government to provide all information and effective systems that facilitate the industry to carry out what is necessary.
The government plans to deploy a new IT system, called the Smart Freight Service to minimise disruption. This system will issue permits to trucks that have the right paperwork to enter the EU and fine £300 to those who do not possess the paperwork. However, the system will only be ready for testing in January. The government is also preparing facilities for trucks that have incorrect paperwork.
The movement restrictions after Brexit will also disrupt freight flow from the EU to the UK. The British government has decided to remove customs controls on goods from the EU until July next year to reduce pressure on imports.
