U.K. eyes post-Brexit freight transport

The Parliamentary Transport Committee has requested industry input for its review of potential effects on freight transport operations and infrastructure as the country splits from the European Union.    The U.K. Parliamentary Transport Committee has requested industry input for its review of potential effects on freight transport operations and infrastructure as the country splits from the European Union.
   This input is expected to include details about steps being taken by freight companies, trade associations and shippers as the British government finalizes preparations for so-called Brexit. 
   The investigation also will consider the freight transportation industry’s suggestions for specific infrastructure investments to support the needs of cargo movement. 
   In addition, the Transport Committee, which is chaired by U.K. parliamentary member Lilian Greenwood, seeks the industry’s proposals for meeting post-Brexit requirements for licensing, regulation and training of operators and workers in the freight sector.
   The industry’s input is due to the committee by June 8.
   The inquiry will not consider border and customs arrangements, trade deals or tariffs since these fall outside the committee’s purview.
   “Whilst we’ve heard a lot about customs arrangements, border controls, tariffs and trade deals, we haven’t heard enough about transport infrastructure, policy and regulation implications affecting freight operators and their customers,” said Robert Keen, British International Freight Association (BIFA) director general, who praised the committee’s freight transport infrastructure inquiry.  
   “The Transport Committee inquiry is offering freight operators and their diverse customers the opportunity to specify their needs in regards to transport infrastructure,” he said. “Though the terms of reference are wide, BIFA will be forthcoming about the issues involved and I hope that our members follow suit.”