In the event of a no-deal Brexit, the European Commission plans to allow UK and EU operators to maintain the movement of goods between the UK and other EU member states until the end of December 2019.

In the event of a no-deal Brexit, the European Commission plans to allow UK and EU operators to maintain the movement of goods between the UK and other EU member states until the end of December 2019.

Commenting, RHA chief executive, Richard Burnett said: “This is welcome news as it will reduce the need for ECMT permits in 2019. However, the proposal is conditional on the UK reciprocating. This is a logical and practical proposal by the Commission. However, the proposal contains several restrictions. It is time limited and the Commission has said it retains the right to cancel at any time.”

The Commission has ruled out allowing cabotage in the EU, cross-trade will not be allowed, and transit movements are not referenced at all.

Transit is vital as it would, if agreed, allow UK movements to non-EU states without restriction and it would allow EU lorries to move freely between Ireland and the rest of the EU.

The RHA advises companies that are in the process of applying for ECMT permits to continue to do so as the proposal is not yet law and there is no certainty it will apply.