31.7.2024 | Haulage

UK HGV operators who do business in the EU have reported that they cannot maintain usual business operations without their drivers exceeding 90 out of 180 days in the Schengen zone.

This is of concern to several trade associations as it affects all UK companies with non-EU staff working in the EU and is likely to impact their business. Therefore, BIFA has decided to support the RHA’s survey.

More information on this topic can be found in July’s edition of BIFAlink.

The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) comes online in November 2024 and, alongside taking biometrics, will digitally track whenever a traveller enters and exits the Schengen zone regardless of point of entry/departure.

This means that drivers and any other non-EU staff exceeding their 90/180 limit will be caught, will not be allowed to travel, and may incur fines or other penalties.

Operators who currently engage in business in continental Europe are urged to fill out this survey to demonstrate to the government the level of impact this will have on UK exports and coach travel.

As any change in this area will necessitate renegotiation of the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement, we will only have any chance of convincing the Government to pursue a solution by demonstrating a significant impact on the UK economy. Therefore, we need as many businesses that drive and have non-EU nationals working in the EU as possible to complete the RHA survey.

The results of this survey will be critical to engagement with the new Government, so please complete it by 10 August 2024.