In the early hours after Brexit, there was little disruption in traffic to and from the UK. At night, from Thursday to Friday, nearly two hundred trucks were transported “without trouble” through the canal tunnel. The Tunnel Operator reports Getlink about this. Schiphol also reported that there were few problems on the first trips to the UK.
Due to Britain leaving the European Union, it has not been possible to travel freely between the European Union and the United Kingdom since Friday. However, additional customs controls at the airport did not cause any delays.
In the morning there were flights to London, Manchester and Newcastle. These trips left on time, according to Schiphol. A company spokesman confirmed there were no problems.
Tranquility in the port of Rotterdam
It will be quiet in the port of Rotterdam on Friday in terms of traffic to the UK. Only two ferry trips are scheduled for New Year’s Day. Earlier this week, the Rotterdam Port Authority announced that it expects a few problems on the first day of the new year. Ferry traffic between Rotterdam and the UK is also limited on weekends.
A spokesman reported that customs also believes there will be little or no disturbance on Friday. Only after the weekend, when the weather is busier, will the customs take the delay into consideration.
The trucks leave the first ferry to reach Dover after Brexit.
The trucks leave the first ferry to reach Dover after Brexit.
Photo: ANP
Customs procedures did not lead to delays in the Canal Tunnel
In the Canal Tunnel, there wasn’t much congestion during New Years Eve and Morning. This allowed the trucks to continue on their way without any problems. As a result of Brexit, logistics companies have to go through customs procedures again. According to Getlink, all trucks met the new requirements and no vehicles were rejected.
British and European companies had earlier warned of chaos at the borders due to the abundance of paperwork. This threatens to cut off the smooth trade flow by nearly € 1 trillion per year. A few hours before the new rules went into effect, Getlink’s director announced that the risk of chaos was minimal. According to him, some adjustments will be needed in the coming days and weeks.
Around 70 percent of trade between the United Kingdom and the European Union passes through the French ports of Calais and Dunkirk. On average, 60,000 people and 12,000 trucks pass through these ports every day.
