With the UK government’s recent allocation of £10.5m to prepare ports for a new EU digital border system, industry response is cautious.
- The funding is intended to prevent delays by equipping the Port of Dover, Eurostar, and Eurotunnel with necessary technology.
- The logistics sector remains concerned that this financial injection might be insufficient to avoid disruption.
- The Entry/Exit System (EES) will require travellers from non-EU countries to undergo fingerprinting and photographing.
- Logistics UK highlights the need for comprehensive education of border users to alleviate potential border crossing challenges.
The UK government’s announcement of £10.5m funding is aimed at ensuring readiness of the Port of Dover, Eurostar, and Eurotunnel to handle the EU’s forthcoming Entry/Exit System (EES). Each port is set to receive £3.5m for technology installations and infrastructure expansions ahead of the new checks, which include compulsory registration for travellers through biometric data collection.
This funding comes as a response to anticipated challenges at the borders when the EES is implemented. The government asserts that the ports, making significant strides in preparation, are on track for a ‘smooth transition’. Future of Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood stated that the investment is fundamental to avoiding excessive queues and ensuring operation readiness despite EES being an EU initiative.
Despite these assurances, Logistics UK expresses continued concern over the adequacy of these funds to fully mitigate border delays. Nichola Mallon, representing Logistics UK, emphasised that the upcoming system demands extensive public awareness to reduce its impact. She reiterated the necessity for government assistance to ensure border processes do not hinder the transit of goods.
In addition, key players such as the Port of Dover and Eurostar have welcomed this funding as a step forward but acknowledge that more substantial investments are necessary. Emma Ward of the Port of Dover highlighted ongoing efforts to complement government plans, while Eurostar’s Simon Lejeune pointed to infrastructure upgrades pivotal for seamless integration of EES requirements.
As the implementation date approaches, the logistics community remains apprehensive about the potential implications. The systems remain largely untested, raising concerns about unforeseen disruptions. Logistics UK also noted that delays could considerably affect financial aspects, projecting costs of up to £1,100 per truck resulting from control measures at Dover and Calais.
The logistics sector reiterates its call for comprehensive government support to ensure border processes do not become barriers to trade.
