Archives



Freight News, Logistics, Road


Hauliers welcome delay to new border controls

[ January 20, 2023   //   ]

The Road Haulage Association has welcomed the government’s decision to delay introduction of the Entry/Exit System (EES) that would increase checks on non-EU citizens at UK borders.

EES has been pushed back from May until the end of 2023 as it will allow allows operators including hauliers and coach companies to properly prepare for the new system that will fingerprint and photograph travellers, including truck drivers.

The RHA says it has warned about the readiness of the EES. Managing director, Richard Smith, commented: “We welcome the delay as the issues with the practical operation of the scheme including the infrastructure required would not have been overcome by May. We’ve raised concerns about the slow progress on getting the system ready, and then familiarising our operators with how it will work. This extra time to get it up and running effectively must be used wisely.”

EES will work alongside the new European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), which the EU plans to launch in November. An approved ETIAS application will be mandatory for all visa-exempt travellers, while visiting any of 30 countries in Europe.

Tags: ,