SECURITY RISKS


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As TAPA often states, ‘trucks at rest are trucks at risk’. Michael Gove’s letter reportedly estimated up to 7,000 trucks carrying goods from the UK to the EU might face delays of up to two days at the Port of Dover after the Brexit transition due to border controls, regardless of the outcome of future relationship discussions which continue between UK and EU leaders.


The British government is said to estimate that between 40% and 70% of trucks travelling to the bloc on 1 January 2021 may not be ready for the new border controls. Adding to the confusion and likely congestion is the lack of capacity at French ports. Clearly, some businesses so overwhelmed by the pressures of Covid-19 might be gambling on the outcome once the New Year arrives, hoping that the warnings and forecasts were actually far worse than the reality. Such thinking may be the biggest risk of all.


There are some potential security risks to be prepared for, before and after the end of the transition period on 31 December 2020.


So, what potential supply chain security risks should companies be prepared for, before and after the end of the Brexit transition period on 31 December 2020? Vigilant asked Jason Breakwell, Vice Chair of TAPA EMEA and a senior executive in the road transport industry, for his insight…


“Any truck arriving at a border without correct or complete declarations will need to wait whilst any irregularities are fixed. This could cause congestion in port areas and, in worst case, queues of trucks on access roads, especially in Kent. Trucks could become trapped in lines of stationary traffic and be at risk of cargo theft. Trucks may need to be parked up until correct declarations have been made and this could reduce parking capacity in the few safe zones available to drivers on routes towards ports in the EU and UK. Drivers may not be able to reach planned safe zones if they are delayed by unexpected Customs problems,” he says.


The best practise, he adds, is simply to ‘be prepared’. “Ensure all Customs, safety/security (and sanitary, if applicable) declarations are made in advance of arrival at the border. This will enable trucks to access the green channel and avoid any potential delays.”


The British government is said to estimate that between 40% and 70% of trucks travelling to the bloc on 1 January 2021 may not be ready for the new border controls.


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