The French government has announced that the current testing arrangements for hauliers travelling to the EU will continue.
Yesterday’s decision sees a continuation of the rule that drivers must have a negative test within 72 hours of crossing. Failure to do so, will mean that hauliers will not be able to cross the channel.
In response, the UK government is urging drivers to get tested before arriving at their departure port.
The move follows the agreement between governments to re-evaluate testing procedures put in place on 23rd December. After a meeting yesterday, it was agreed that the current process should remain in place.
“In December, we acted swiftly to find a solution to the border closures, so hauliers could continue to travel,” said transport secretary Grant Shapps. “Following the French Government’s decision today, I continue to urge all hauliers to get tested before getting to the border and only travel if they test negative.
“We are offering support to businesses to set-up testing facilities at their own premises,” he added. There has also been a roll-out of testing points at information and advice sites around the country.
Meanwhile, there are reports that France is also set to introduce tougher customs controls from Monday. A source stated that the French had “read the riot act” to port and ferry operators on the call. The move came after almost all EU-bound trucks from the UK didn’t comply with EU trade rules.
A senior UK official said the government was “holding its breath” for more disruption at British ports. “We’re going to start seeing a crystallisation in the next couple of days of pressures building up,” they stated.
