New Laws affecting Vans and Light Good Vehicles Transporting Goods between UK and EU

The Department of Transport is looking to garner views on changes being made and adopted as part of the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement.  These changes, already planned for Europe, will allow individuals and  businesses to continue operating goods vehicles between the UK and EU.  The new rules will apply for all UK individuals and businesses operating goods vehicles to, from and between EU countries.  The rules will include light goods vehicles, such as vans on certain "loaded international journeys".

Changes from February 2022

Hauliers operating loaded goods journeys in and between European Member States will need to share information via the EU's Internal Market Information System, such as details of the operator, driver, job, route taken and the vehicle used.  Then, from 21 May 2022, operators of goods vehicles weighing over 2.5 tonnes and up to 3.5 tonnes in weight (either alone or when used with a trailer) that travel abroad on commercial journeys for hire and reward, will need to hold a Standard International Operator Licence.

In order to be granted an operator licence the Government is stating that you will have to have the following in place:

• A transport manager working in the business
• Provide information about the company's financial situation and operating base in the UK
• Demonstrate that your vehicles are well maintained
• Pay a fee of £658.00 to apply for and be issued with the licence and then;
• Pay a further fee of £401.00 every 5 years to keep your licence.

The government is at pains to point out that if you do not comply with these new proposed rules you will risk being fined or having other punitive measures applied by the European Union.

If you would like to give your views to the Government about this matter, you can click here to go through to the correct page on their website.  The deadline for doing this is 24th August 2021.

If you would like any advice or assistance with whether these new rules might affect your business or operations, then please click here to send an email or call 01279 818280 to speak to one of our team.