The British International Freight Association (BIFA) is urging its members to participate in the Transport Committee inquiry, which will examine the potential effects of Brexit on UK freight operations and assess the preparatory steps operators, their customers and the Government need to take. Those wishing to be part of it will have to provide written evidence before the 8th of June 2018.
“As a body that represents the companies that are responsible for the logistics that underpins the UK’s visible trade, BIFA has been very vocal on the many issues arising from Brexit that affect the work of our members. The Transport Committee inquiry is offering freight operators and their diverse customers, the opportunity to specify their needs in regards to transport infrastructure,” commented Robert Keen, BIFA General Director.
Even though the inquiry will not look into border and customs arrangements, trade deals or tariffs, as they fall outside the Committee’s remit, it will discuss the steps required to prepare for the challenges and opportunities of Brexit for UK freight, particularly through investment in transport infrastructure and changes to transport policy and regulation.
“I share the opinion of the chair of the Committee, Lilian Greenwood MP, who said at the launch of the inquiry that whilst we’ve heard a lot about customs arrangements, border controls, tariffs and trade deals, we haven’t heard enough about transport infrastructure, policy and regulation implications affecting freight operators and their customers,” said Keen.
Moreover, it will investigate mode and sector-specific requirements for additional Government funding, or other changes to Government funding plans, particularly in relation to transport infrastructure, to support the needs of freight. The need for new arrangements for the licensing, regulation and training of operators and workers in the freight sector after Brexit, including the adequacy of measures set out in the Haulage Permits and Trailer Registration Bill, is another topic that will be discussed at the inquiry.
