Question to the Department for Exiting the European Union :

To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, what progress he has made on agreements for (a) bi-lateral and (b) multi-lateral haulage and driving permits after the UK leaves the EU.

On 7 June, following discussions with the EU, the UK published ’Framework for the UK-EU Partnership - Transport’, setting out UK proposals for the future UK-EU relationship. This was reiterated in the recently published White Paper on the Future Relationship Between the UK and the EU, which made clear that the UK wants to explore options for a reciprocal access deal for road hauliers and passenger transport operators. There is a strong mutual interest in reaching an ambitious agreement, which maximises benefits for all our citizens and businesses.

The Haulage Permits and Trailer Registration Act 2018 received Royal Assent on 19 July and provides for powers to introduce a permitting system in the event that this were needed. This is part of wider government preparations to ensure the UK can deliver a smooth and orderly Brexit.