The UK is “sleepwalking into a disaster” over its border plans for the end of the Brexit transition period on 31 December, road hauliers have warned.

The UK is “sleepwalking into a disaster” over its border plans for the end of the Brexit transition period on 31 December, road hauliers have warned.

Groups representing truckers have written to ministers warning of “severe” disruption to supply chains.

Rod McKenzie, from the Road Haulage Association, said the government should “act now before it’s too late”.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said they were working to ensure the “best systems are in place” at the border.

The government has also given itself powers to build temporary lorry parks in England without local approval.

But Mr McKenzie told BBC News: “It is a real case of the government sleepwalking to a disaster with the border preparations that we have, whether it is a deal or no-deal Brexit at the end of December.

“The supply chain on which we are all dependent to get the things we need could be disrupted and there is a lack of government focus and action on this.”

He added: “When we are trying to emerge from the crisis of Covid, if we then plunge straight into a Brexit-related crisis, that will be a really difficult moment and we need real pace.

“The difference here is between a disaster area and a disaster area with rocket boosters on.”

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *