Freight News, Logistics, Road

Fines for untested drivers alarm Logistics UK

[ January 22, 2021   //   Chris ]

Logistics UK says it is extremely concerned at plans to impose fines on truck drivers entering Kent without a negative Covid test. Policy director Elizabeth de Jong says that a recently laid statutory instrument would place unfair costs on individuals “working hard to keep the economy stocked with the goods and services it needs”. 

She said: “While we agree that tests should take place outside Kent to reduce traffic congestion, 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.”

Logistics UK is calling on government to prioritise the roll out of vaccines to truck drivers and other operational logistics workers to minimise the administrative burden and reduce delays to freight movements.

She added: “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.”

Tags: Logistics UK