đź•’ Article read time: 2 minutes
Logistics UK joins with European counterparts to raise concerns over new UK import controls
Working with its sister organisations, Transport Logistics Netherlands (TLN) and Transport Logistics France (TLF), as well as members of the Freight Liaison Group, Logistics UK has written to the Secretary of State for Trade, Jonathan Reynolds MP to request a meeting to discuss issues relating to controls and charges on sanitary and phytosanitary goods imported into GB since 30 April 2024 under the government’s Border Target Operating Model (BTOM).
In the letter to the Secretary of State, Logistics UK’s Chief Executive David Wells OBE raised the industry’s concerns about the current implementation of phase two of the BTOM. In particular, Mr Wells raised concerns over the increased costs and lack of certainty and added complexity which are making it difficult for businesses to trade effectively and, as he pointed out, some EU suppliers are now opting out of serving the UK market, and some UK logistics operators are less willing to continue to serve the Short Straits route. As Mr Wells outlined, this will ultimately impact GB consumers in the form of lower product availability and higher prices which are outcomes no one wishes to see.
Mr Wells continued: “As an industry we want to see UK-EU trade thrive. As carriers, we want to protect the UK’s biosecurity and food safety. That is why we have come together to highlight our key shared concerns about the current operation of the BTOM when it comes to the physical inspection process, supply of information and notification to drivers, loading and unloading at BCPs, invoicing, drivers' waiting times and facilities, opening hours and border checkpoints, and damage and liability. We believe all of these issues require urgent review. We are committed to working constructively with the government and we hope this meeting with the Secretary of State will take place soon so we can discuss these challenges and importantly, our recommendations to help overcome them."
Published On: 19/09/2024 15:01:00
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News In Brief
M25 improvement works
Highways England has confirmed that its next stage of the M25 improvement works at Junction 10, for gyratory and jet lane construction works, will take place from 9pm, 4 October to 6am, 7 October and 9pm, 18 October to 6am, 18 October. The M25 and A3 will remain open during the gyratory closure, but the slip roads off and onto Junction 10 Wisley Interchange will be closed. This will mean that drivers will be unable to join or leave the M25 or A3 at Junction 10 during this period.
Drivers are urged to avoid the area and plan alternative routes during the duration of the works. For more information, please check @NationalHighways and @HighwaysSEast on X for the latest traffic information.
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