UK plans to rejoin Interbus agreement, but ‘important questions remain unanswered,’ says Salmon
The Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT) has expressed “huge concern” about international coach operations in the event of a no-deal Brexit, and it says that “important questions remain unanswered.”
Commenting on papers published by the government on 24 September, Steven Salmon, Director of Policy Development, says: “CPT is extremely disappointed that the government has not seen fit to ensure that passenger movement into and across Europe can continue if we leave without a deal.
Deal or no deal
“I have been discussing the implications of Brexit on our members who operate coach holidays and tours, educational trips and intercity services into Europe for many months and very much regret that the government has taken this position,” adds Mr Salmon.
“A number of important questions remain unanswered in the no-deal scenario, such as whether British coach drivers will need working visas or work permits.”
The government says that, if no deal is reached, it is possible that UK operators may not be able to rely on automatic recognition by the EU of UK-issued Community Licences, although individual countries may choose to accept them.
The UK’s participation in the Interbus agreement by virtue of being an EU member will cease. However, the UK intends to rejoin as an independent member from 29 March 2018, or as soon as possible thereafter. That would allow occasional services into the EU to continue to operate. UK nationals will be able to drive in the EU after the UK leaves, but they may require an International Driving Permit.
The papers also confirm that the UK will retain the Transport Manager CPC and Driver CPC schemes. When the UK joins the Interbus agreement, UK drivers with a Driver CPC will be able to work in the EU.
Interbus is likely
The likelihood of there being a delay to the UK becoming part of Interbus is considered to be low. If that delay occurs, EU countries may choose still to recognise UK-issued DCPCs, although them doing so cannot be guaranteed.
When the UK joins the Interbus agreement, coach holidays and tours will be able to continue. Requirements placed on operators will be largely the same as currently. However, unlike EU rules, Interbus does not allow cabotage to take place.
The note says that there “is a greater risk of UK operators being unable to run regular services into the EU” because the proposed extension of Interbus to cover regular services is yet to take effect.
The document concludes by explaining that there are “likely to be new requirements at borders with the EU if we leave without a deal, and there could be impacts for coaches using EU ports.”
In the event of those delays occurring, the government would implement contingency arrangements to manage traffic flow. Separate discussions with the Irish government would be likely if there was a ‘no deal’ Brexit.
Read the paper at bit.ly/2Itcj3R
