Minister for the cabinet office Michael Gove has agreed to a roundtable discussion between industry representatives and members of the cabinet office to discuss post-Brexit transition plans for hauliers.
The UK is due to leave the EU single market and customs union on 31 December, sparking widespread fears that the new arrangement will cause chaos for hauliers at the channel ports.
Last week RHA director of policy, Rod McKenzie told BBC news that the UK is "sleepwalking into a disaster" and should "act now before it's too late".
Meanwhile, transport industry bodies have written to ministers warning of "severe" disruption to supply chains.
RHA chief executive Richard Burnett has since issued an "urgent request" to Gove raising long-standing industry concerns about new customs IT systems, border infrastructure and a lack of movement on recruiting and training the 50,000 new customs agents which firms will need to manage extra red tape next year.
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“I’m greatly encouraged that Mr Gove has responded so quickly," Burnett said. "Like us, he is obviously concerned about the government’s post-transition plans for hauliers.
“With only 81 working days left until the transition period ends we have to make sure that we can achieve a solution that works for everyone.”
Replying, Gove said: “I agree that a further roundtable would be useful and have asked my office to arrange such a meeting.
“My officials will work closely with you to ensure we have a specific list of industry proposals to discuss under each of the headings you’ve suggested.”
Earlier today (9 September), Burnett gave evidence to the Brexit Select Committee on the operation of the UK-EU border after the transition period.
