The Freight Transport Association is calling for the creation of an expert group on land transport security within the EU, saying it would secure borders more effectively and ensure trans-European working, with channels of communication created between industry stakeholders.
The association was due to give evidence to the Transport Select Committee hearing on European Land Transport Security on Monday.
Chris Welsh, general manager – global and European policy, said: “A significant proportion of the regulation affecting logistics comes from Europe. It is therefore only right that UK politicians are consulting industry about the real impact of these measures on the businesses that keep the British economy moving.
“This evidence session gives FTA the chance to set out some of the key areas where European policy is affecting our members day to day – from data sharing, to lorry parking, to where the cost burdens of extra security should fall. The role and performance of European institutions is a key debate in every area of life, and commercial transport is no different.”
The committee is expected to cover issues including cargo theft from vehicles, co-operation between member states, and the issue of stowaways on board both lorries and coaches; which are all considered security problems to the freight industry across Europe.
During the hearing, the FTA is planning to raise the subject of the cost of providing additional security and the expert group, saying that this should be borne at national or EU level and not by a levy imposed on road fleet operators at border crossings, while voicing concerns over additional security, stating that it could be counter-productive to the flexibility of land-based transport networks.
