With effect from 6 April, 2021 all lorry drivers entering the UK from the EU (not Ireland), and who are staying for more than 48 hours, will be required to take tests for COVID-19. Failure to comply will incur a fine of £2,000.

The first test must be taken within 48 hours of arrival.  Two further tests are then required at three-day intervals, typically days five and eight.  There must be no more than 72 hours between each test. Tests will be free and available at over 40 Government Haulier Advice sites located within easy access of the Channel ports. In addition, drivers will be expected to complete passenger locator forms, comply with UK social distancing rules, and to leave their cabs for essential reasons only.

The rules apply equally to UK and non-UK nationals.

Road Haulage Association Chief Executive, Richard Burnett said: “The UK vaccination scheme is most definitely working but we cannot let our safety regimes and procedures slip. This latest legislation will apply to all commercial drivers, whether they are returning from, or originating from, the EU.  It’s a completely fair system and will keep the GB and the EU Member States protected as we all embark upon the road to recovery.”

Sarah Laouadi, European Policy Manager at Logistics UK said: “It is vitally important to protect the UK and it’s highly interconnected supply chain from the threat of new COVID-19 variants, and the nation as a whole.”

The full government announcement is available here.

Photo:  Sarah Laouadi