Commenting on the government's confirmation of 10 Brexit lorry park locations and the introduction of the Kent Access Permit scheme for HGV drivers, Unite national officer Adrian Jones said: 

“As the government scrambles to get these 10 confirmed lorry parks up and running, our members are deeply concerned that their needs will be overlooked in the rush. Unite will be seeking cast iron guarantees that drivers will not be left twiddling their thumbs for days in concrete expanses where the only facilities are a few mucky portable toilets and an old burger van.  

“Even if the new computerised customs system is ready by 31 December – and given the government’s abysmal record on software delivery there’s a good chance it won’t be – lengthy delays are still very likely. That means drivers must be provided with enough clean toilets, sinks and showers and access to decent warm food and a place to rest away from their cabs.

“Unite will also be raising our members’ concerns over HGV drivers being fined under the Kent Access Permit scheme. Drivers, who are not responsible for their loads’ customs declarations, should not be forced to hand over their own hard-earned cash because their employers have made administrative errors or because of software faults in the new customs' system.” 

ENDS

Notes to editors: 

UK border Brexit ‘chaos and confusion’ warning over incomplete IT systems and ‘eleventh hour’ lorry parks

During the coronavirus crisis Unite is working to keep workers and the public safe, to defend jobs and to protect incomes.

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Unite is Britain and Ireland’s largest union with members working across all sectors of the economy. The general secretary is Len McCluskey.