Events operators allowed free movement between UK and EU under new registration scheme

Hauliers involved in music, sporting and cultural events will be able to move their vehicles freely between the UK and the EU after the government said it was introducing new measures this summer.

A dual registration scheme will allow operators with a base in this country and in another one outside of the UK to transfer their vehicles between both O-licences without the need to change vehicles, have their journeys limited or pay VED in GB.

Since the UK’s exit from the EU, events hauliers have been limited to just three stops in Europe before having to return home.

The new rules will enable companies to switch vehicles between the respective operator licences and make use of the internal movements permitted within each territory.

The government added that this will apply not just to the EU, but also to other countries too.

Grant Shapps, transport secretary, said: “British talent has long been at the heart of global performing arts and our specialist haulage sector is critical to the success of their tours.

“It is unacceptable that because of EU bureaucracy, the operations of our specialist haulage sector on which our artists rely have been put at risk, impacting the livelihoods of touring artists and sportspeople.”

Post-Brexit trade restrictions have caused significant problems to haulage firms involved in the sector.

Last year, musicians joined forces with hauliers to urge the government to secure a “cultural easement” or else the industry, which contributes £70bn a year to the UK economy, faced financial ruin.

Craig Stanley, touring group chair of Live music Industry Venues & Entertainment (Live), said: “We are delighted that our close work with the government has paid off and welcome this move, which will allow European music tours to continue this summer.

“We now look forward to working with the government on options to permanently resolve this issue, such as the negotiation of an EU-wide cultural exemption.”