The European Commission has now confirmed that the Entry/Exit System (EES) for non-EU nationals will go live on 10th November. The Road Haulage Association (RHA) has said it has long-held concerns about delays at borders and the readiness of the new technology which will be introduced.
The RHA is now urging the UK Government to work with the ports and the industry to ensure that they are fully prepared, and the infrastructure is tested, operational and ready to go to avoid delays. UK hauliers and coach operators will be significantly impacted when EES is fully rolled-out. It will ensure stricter enforcement of the 90/180 rule which restricts the amount of time non-EU nationals can spend in the Schengen Area.
“We continue to meet with the ports and various other stakeholders and we urge the Government and port authorities to ensure that sufficient dedicated facilities are available for drivers, especially during peak periods,” an RHA spokesperson said.
Earlier this year 56 per cent of respondents to an RHA survey said they expected they would reduce their journeys into Europe, with revenue losses of between 41-60 per cent projected. Coach operators are further affected with Eurotunnel Le Shuttle significantly reducing the number of coaches on their trains to account for additional processing times ahead of EES.
The spokesperson added: “ We support a Professional Drivers’ Exemption from Schengen restrictions for those who are transporting goods or people between the UK and EU and we would welcome the chance to develop this policy with the new Government.”
The spokesperson concluded: “We recently called for better facilities and a Professional Drivers’ Exemption from Schengen restrictions in our new Blueprint document of recommendations for the Government and we will continue to engage with decision-makers at all levels on these issues on behalf of the industry.”
