The logistics industry has warned of gridlock on roads and shortages in shops if frictionless trade is not maintained between the UK and EU after Brexit.
“Our patience is wearing very, very thin,” said Leigh Pomlett, president of the Freight Transport Association, speaking at the group’s conference for the industry in London on Wednesday.
Brexit minister Robin Walker told conference delegates that the UK government understood the need to maintain systems and processes that allowed the free flow of goods between the UK and the EU. He said it was in the bloc’s interests to strike an agreement.
But his reassurances got short shrift from the industry.
John James, chairman of Star Cargo, a customs agent, said that a great deal of political will was now required “to avoid the catastrophe that will occur under the present proposals of the government”.
He said ministers had failed to recognise the logistics in south-east England since the EU single market was established in 1993. At the time, there were fewer than 3,000 truck crossings a day, but the number has now risen to over 12,000.
“If there is no deal, there will be no movement [of goods]”, he said, adding that based on current proposals, “we believe it will be impossible to get goods cleared because of a lack of agents”.
Richard Christian, head of policy at the Port of Dover, made a direct plea to ministers, saying: “Please, solve the Dover straits route and you will keep traffic flowing everywhere.”
But he said there was no room in Dover to carry out import checks that would be required in the event of no deal, and customs clearance should be moved elsewhere. [...]
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