Do not extend cabotage relaxation, Logistics UK urges DfT

The suggestion for the emergency measures to be extended was contained within a Department for Transport (DfT) consultation.

Last autumn, government legislated to allow unlimited cabotage movements of HGVs for up to 14 days after arriving on a laden international journey in the UK. The temporary extension was set for a period of six months, to ease the pressure on the supply chain caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing driver shortage. Prior to this, EU operators would normally only be allowed to carry out two cabotage journeys within seven days of entry into the UK.

Although some operators were concerned by the potential for unlimited cabotage to undermine the domestic road transport market, most Logistics UK members recognised that the driver shortage meant that the UK’s logistics sector may struggle to meet demand during the Christmas peak on its own and accepted that increased cabotage may have a role to play during this challenging period.

James Firth, Head of Road Freight Regulation Policy, Logistics UK, said: “While the challenges of driver recruitment are by no means over, feedback from our members suggests that the immediate risks to the supply chain have been considerably reduced. In our response to the recent DfT consultation, therefore, we have argued that it is right that the emergency measures are removed as soon as they are no longer deemed necessary. We have also recommended that use of the measure should be kept under review in light of prevailing market conditions later in the year.”

*www.logistics.org.uk/road

Published On: 31/03/2022 16:00:29

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