The RHA has welcomed EU proposals to introduce multiple entry visas for UK truck drivers who travel to Europe.
The move follows rising concerns among UK international hauliers that the EU’s recent strengthening of the EU’s border controls, which strictly enforces the 90/180 rule, will make it impossible for UK hauliers to operate in Europe.
The 90/180 rule restricts non-EU nationals visits to the Schengen Area to a 90-day period within any 180-day rolling period without a visa. It applies to both tourism and business, with days counted cumulatively across all Schengen countries. UK international hauliers are warning this could cripple their business and see them lose work to EU nationals who can travel freely to the UK.
However, a recently published communication from the Commission to the European Parliament and the European Council has acknowledged that “some third country professionals who heavily rely on mobility between Member States – such as touring artists, athletes attending sporting events, experts working on cross-border projects, work-force supporting the EU industries and services or truck drivers servicing EU businesses – may require access to different Member States for more than 90 days within 180 days, without needing long stay or residence in the EU.”
It adds: “The Commission will work closely with Member States to identify pragmatic solutions to accommodate extended short stays for selected categories of third-country nationals, ensuring a security and economic benefit for the Union, as well as legal clarity for travellers.”
The communication lists key next steps which includes identifying “options for multiple-entry visas with longer validity”.
Responding to the EU missive, Richard Smith, RHA MD, said: “ We’re encouraged that the European Commission (EC) has acknowledged challenges that stricter enforcement of the 90/180 rule will pose on businesses.”
He added: “The EC clearly acknowledges the value that third-country businesses including transport bring to their economies and the challenges stricter checks will bring. This is a great opportunity for the UK Government to make the case for a professional drivers’ exemption and other easements in their reset talks.”
Smith called on the UK government to “strike a deal with their EU counterparts for a professional drivers’ exemption that would mean lorry and coach drivers on international work won’t fall foul of the 90/180 rule. We made the case for an exemption to the EU’s Trade Commissioner this week too as we ramp up our campaigning.
“This would protect UK businesses who move people and goods across EU borders. It would also benefit the European businesses, supply chains and tourist destinations they serve. We’re clear that insolvencies in the UK and elsewhere are very likely without easements once EES is bedded in,” he warned.
