Autumn Edition - Transport and Mobility

The key takeaway for business is that there remains a dichotomy between the desire of industry (on the most part) to have closer cooperation between the EU and the UK on transport policy especially in the areas of certification and standards, and the continued divergence between the UK and the EU on key policy areas. This has an impact on business in terms of cost and administrative burden.

Beyond the transport sector, transport policy and new procedures are also impacting businesses and their supply chains. Delays at the border, additional customs and administrative costs, and regulatory checks are complicating the logistics of deeply integrated supply chains, increasing the cost and complexity for international businesses.

While we can say that UK and EU divergence on transport policy is absolute, the reality of the transport sector means that its impact remains uncertain. The problems being faced by the transport sector are the same whether in the EU or in the UK, and the industry is seeking solutions that are consistent and reflect global or international operations. More important is the question of market influence, since companies do not wish to operate different product lines or services to meet different standards.

As such they are more likely just to apply the higher standard, wherever that comes from, to meet the requirements of both markets. Business leaders might therefore struggle to find practical benefits from transport policy divergence.