The British International Freight Association (BIFA) is urging members to submit written evidence for the UK Parliamentary Transport Committee inquiry into the potential effects of leaving the European Union (Brexit) on freight operations.
Robert Keen, BIFA director general, said: “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.
“Though the terms of reference are wide, BIFA will be forthcoming about the issues involved and I hope that our members follow suit."
The deadline for written evidence is June 8, 2018. See link below.
The inquiry will not be considering border and customs arrangements, trade deals or tariffs, as these fall outside the committee's remit.
It will look at 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.
Keen said that the inquiry is addressing a number of matters. These include the scale and nature of the challenges and opportunities Brexit presents to UK freight companies and their customers.
Also, the adequacy of steps being taken by freight companies, their representative bodies, their customers and the government in preparation for the challenges and opportunities of Brexit will be examined.
The investigation will also study mode and/or 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 is also a topic for the inquiry.
Keen added: “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.
“There remains a great deal of uncertainty for UK freight operators and their customers. The implications of Brexit will vary across freight modes and types of freight.
“We are being given another chance to reiterate our concerns and tell the Government what is required to keep visible trade moving post-Brexit."
Written evidence can be submitted here
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