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No negative COVID-19 test? Kent HGV drivers risk being fined
Logistics UK has expressed its extreme concern about the government’s decision last Friday (22 January 2021) to enable ministers to impose fines on HGV drivers found to be travelling to the coast without a negative COVID-19 test.
The laying of the government’s Statutory Instrument in parliament could leave drivers heading to the Channel ports facing a £300 on-the-spot fine and potential delays. Drivers without a Kent Access Permit could face an additional £300 on-the-spot fine.
Elizabeth de Jong, Policy Director at Logistics UK, said the decision risked placing “unfair costs on the individuals working hard to keep the economy stocked with the goods and services it needs.”
“While we agree that tests should take place outside of Kent to reduce traffic congestion,” she continued, “we need absolute assurance from government that this will only be implemented when inland testing sites around the country have proven capacity to meet the demand for tests. Capacity must be increased before any change in legislation can be implemented.
“To help prevent testing delays and costs, Logistics UK is calling on government to prioritise the roll out of COVID-19 vaccines to HGV drivers and other operational logistics workers to minimise the administrative burden on operators and reduce resulting delays to freight movements. It is also imperative that international hauliers based in Kent still have access to testing within the county, to prevent unnecessary detours away from the border, and that there is also capacity to test those arriving in Kent without a valid negative test.”
*www.logistics.org.uk/coronavirus
Published On: 28/01/2021 15:30:38
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