IN RESPONSE to the government’s Statutory Instrument on fines for HGV drivers without Covid-19 tests, Elizabeth de Jong, policy director at Logistics UK said: ‘We are concerned that the decision to provide Ministers with the means to introduce fines against HGV drivers entering Kent without a negative Covid test will place unfair costs on the individuals working hard to keep the economy stocked with the goods and services it needs.
‘While we agree that tests should take place outside of Kent to reduce traffic congestion, we need assurance from government that this will only be implemented when inland testing sites around the country have proven capacity to meet the demand. Capacity must be increased before any change in legislation can be implemented.
‘Logistics UK is calling on government to prioritise the roll out of Covid-19 vaccines to HGV drivers and logistics workers to minimise the burden and reduce delays to freight movements. It is also imperative that international hauliers based in Kent have access to testing within the county, to prevent detours away from the border, and that there is also capacity to test those arriving in Kent without a valid negative test.’
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