Transport issues including the need for engineering skills and common regulatory standards should be given “the highest priority” by the Government in its Brexit negotiations, think tank the Independent Transport Commission is urging.

 

The Commission has conducted a wide ranging survey to establish the transport industry’s main concerns around Brexit.

 

One key apprehension is the dependence of the sector on EU labour. The commission argues that access to the EU labour force should be maintained in the short term while Government invests in science, technology, engineering and mathematics training over the longer term to address skills shortages.

 

The industry is also calling for financing benefits to be retained or replaced as soon as practical, including European Investment Bank funding for major infrastructure projects and EU Horizon research and development investment.

 

And it is urging the UK to have continued participation in the development of common regulatory standards which apply to both transport operators and the transport and infrastructure supply industry.

 

“The voice of the industry must be heard to ensure that the UK achieves an outcome that creates a minimum of disruption,” commented Independent Transport Commission director Dr Matthew Niblett.

 

“At the very least, it would be advisable to consult regularly with senior representatives from a cross section of transport industry groups to ensure that all voices and modes of travel are represented.”

 

He added: “The long timeframes involved in transport infrastructure, operations and planning require certainty on future arrangements at an early stage in the negotiations. If this cannot be guaranteed, a transitional arrangement should be explored to help prevent disruption.”

 

 

(Image: Alastair Lloyd)