Scots hauliers facing EU uncertainty
Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity Michael Matheson has written to the UK Government seeking long-term reassurances for Scottish hauliers in the event of a no-deal Brexit.
Mr Matheson has raised strong concerns that an inadequate number of the permits required to operate in the EU, if no other arrangements are agreed, have been allocated to Scottish haulage companies.
Although the EU has proposed an alternative system that would allow the movement of goods until December 2019 if the UK Government puts reciprocal arrangements in place, this still leaves hauliers and major exporters unclear as to how they will operate in the EU in the long-term.
Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity Michael Matheson said:
“The Scottish Government is clear that it is in Scotland’s best interest to remain in the EU, however as a responsible government we have to plan for all scenarios and that includes a no-deal Brexit which would have a damaging impact across our economy.
“Scotland’s hauliers and their customers are extremely concerned. Scottish Ministers are being contacted by businesses, including major exporters, who have not been able to obtain a single permit and are worried about how they will be able to continue to do business in the EU.
“In addition, no bilateral agreements have been signed with EU Member States, and no additional information has been publicly shared by the UK Government on whether these agreements can even be in place by March 29.
“Our hauliers are aware that the EU is taking action which would allow them to move goods in EU countries until December 2019, but that is providing that the UK reciprocates. The EU proposal has yet to be formally adopted leading to even more uncertainty.
“The UK Government has to provide urgent advice on how, and when, it will address the very real concerns of our hauliers, their customers and their employees, to allow the industry to plan adequately and ensure its long-term future.”