OREANDA-NEWS. The vote by citizens of the UK to leave the European Union will have many political, economic and social ramifications, including, inevitably, implications for international road transport.

The UK, once formal notice to leave is given to the European Commission, has two years to negotiate an exit, as stipulated by Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty. It is the outcome of these negotiations that will determine the full impact of the vote on British road transport operators working in the remaining 27 EU countries and EU operators working in the UK.

A number of issues will need to be addressed during negotiations in order to provide legal clarity and the stability that road transport operators need. These issues could include the use of and reintroduction of customs clearance and transit facilitation agreements, cross-border VAT, access to the market, access to the profession, and training standards and recognition. Transport operators may also be adversely affected by additional security issues such as clandestine migration and identity check requirements for passenger transport operators.

IRU urges a rapid resolution of these important issues in order to ensure clarity and facilitate proper business planning for the transport operators we represent through our members.