The United Kingdom (UK) heavy goods vehicle (HGV) drivers could have an issue once the European Union’s (EU’s) Entry/Exit System (EES) launches.
The British International Freight Association (BIFA) said the EES could cause significant disruptions for HGV drivers who travel frequently between the UK and the EU.
The EES streamlines immigration checks and tracks people’s entry and exit from the Schengen Area.
The system can more efficiently catch those overstaying their permission in continental Europe through biometric checks.
As a result, the UK’s HGV drivers could face issues adhering to the EU’s 90/180-day rule.
What is the EES?
The Entry/Exit System is an automated IT system designed to register travelers entering and leaving the Schengen Area.
It replaces the current manual passport stamping process and aims to enhance security and manage migration more effectively.
Non-EU travelers must register their personal, passport, and biometric data. These will be stored in a secure database for three years.
The EES is due to launch in November of this year. Still, the date could be postponed if EU Member States are not fully prepared.
The system is part of broader efforts to strengthen the EU’s external borders and improve security.
The EES and the 90/180-Day Rule
The 90/180-day rule states that non-EU travelers can stay in the Schengen Area for only 90 days within any 180-day period.
BIFA argued that this restriction is problematic for UK employees. British HGV drivers and non-EU staff often must stay in the EU longer to maintain business operations.
Non-EU HGV operators will not be able to maintain business operations without their drivers not exceeding the 90-day limit.
As a result, BIFA’s HGV drivers and any other non-EU employees who exceed their 90/180 limit will encounter immigration issues.
Those who violate the 90/180-day rule might not be allowed to travel and could incur fines and other penalties.
BIFA is concerned that these penalties will make it difficult for UK HGV drivers to operate efficiently.
It could also disrupt the supply chain between the UK and EU and have broader implications for UK-EU trade.
The logistics and transportation sectors play a crucial role in the movement of goods between the UK and EU countries.
Any delays or restrictions could lead to increased costs and logistical challenges for businesses on both sides.
RHA shares the same concerns for HGV drivers
The Road Haulage Association (RHA) has also expressed concerns about the EES’s impact on UK drivers.
It is working with BIFA to gather data and advocate for solutions that allow drivers to operate without significant disruptions.
The RHA has previously warned about the risks of violating the post-Brexit 90/180 rule.
Last summer, it issued a warning to drivers and haulers. The RHA cited a case in which a driver was penalized for overstaying in the Netherlands.
As the holiday season nears, the RHA stresses the importance of tracking time spent in the EU to avoid consequences.
It emphasized that exceeding the 90/180 rule could result in legal repercussions for both drivers and the companies they work for.
The RHA urged employers to allow flexibility for travel to ensure compliance.
Call to action to protect UK HGV drivers
BIFA has launched a survey to gather data on how the EES will impact UK exports and coach travel.
Any change to the 90-day limit for HGV drivers will require the UK government to negotiate with the EU to allow longer stays.
“It is only through demonstrating a significant impact to the UK economy will we have any chance of convincing the Government to pursue a solution,” BIFA said.
This survey data will be used to advocate for policy changes that could mitigate the new system’s adverse effects.
Concerns about possible delays at ports due to EES
BIFA and RHA consider segregating travelers and passengers from freight and HGV drivers at border crossings wherever possible.
However, there is still potential for developing backlogs and limiting ingress and egress at ports.
Transport and travel industry experts have warned about the long queues and massive delays at UK-EU border crossings due to the ESS.
The system requires non-EU individuals to register fingerprints and facial scans before an EU border officer.
While this is the case when travelers visit the EU for the first time after the EES goes live, it is still expected to add more processing time.
Many have advocated for the EU to allow fingerprint registration ahead and away from the border to prevent travel chaos.
Still, the relatively untested EES could result in a choke point if it malfunctions, similar to when electronic gates fail.
Such delays and overstaying permissions present a challenge for the UK’s heavy goods vehicle drivers and the logistics industry.
Industry associations are urging action to ensure efficient operations, and the outcome will be crucial for UK-EU trade relations.