Brexit-related regulations introduce additional costs and checks for cross-border operators

From May, UK van drivers will need to obtain international operating licences to travel to the EU and other European Economic Area countries, the government has announced. The new regulation marks another layer of Brexit-related bureaucracy, affecting drivers of vans, light commercial vehicles, and cars towing trailers entering the EU, Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein, or Switzerland.

These “goods vehicle operator licences” will cost up to £1,100, posing a significant financial burden on individual operators and small businesses. Industry leaders have expressed concern about the added expenses and complexity for drivers who rely on cross-border operations.

The licensing requirements will coincide with the introduction of additional border checks at Dover and other ports. These checks were postponed three times in 2021 due to insufficient preparation for Brexit in Great Britain.

The changes are expected to increase pressure on the transportation and logistics sector, which is already grappling with driver shortages and other Brexit-related disruptions. Critics have called for clearer guidance and government support to help affected operators navigate the new system.