EU Ministers today (19 March 2019) formally adopted laws which mean UK airlines, hauliers and passenger bus and coach operators will continue to be able to provide services to and from the EU in a 'no deal' scenario.
For UK hauliers, this means permits will not be required for the vast majority of journeys to the EU until the end of 2019. ECMT permits will enable hauliers to transit the EU to third countries.
Operators of regular bus and coach services who have existing authorisations can also continue to provide services between the UK and the EU until the end of 2019.
The UK has already announced that it will grant equivalent access to the UK for EU airlines, hauliers and passenger transport operators. This will ensure vital supply chains and connections are maintained.
Roads Minister Jesse Norman said:
The government believes that the best outcome is for the UK to leave the EU with a deal, but we will continue to progress sensible contingency plans.
The measures formally adopted by the EU today, together with the UK's decision to grant equivalent rights, means that UK hauliers and coach operators will have continued access to the EU after 29 March 2019 whatever the outcome.
The government also this week signed a separate agreement with Norway which will ensure that hauliers and commercial bus drivers can continue to drive to, from and through Norway as they do now.
Any UK citizens driving to the EU will need additional paperwork after UK Exit in a no deal scenario, including an international driving permit, GB sticker and insurance green card. Commercial trailers weighing over 750kg and non-commercial trailers weighing over 3,500kg will also need to be registered regardless of the outcome.
The government confirmed in March the technical details of measures that will ensure flights will continue if the UK leaves the EU without a deal.
Aviation Minister Baroness Sugg said:
The measures adopted today by the EU will ensure that flights can continue in any scenario; deal or no deal.
This is good news, not only for the industry but most importantly it reaffirms the fact that passengers can book flights with confidence, as normal.
