LONDON, September 30 (Reuters) – Changes this week to UK border rules that prevent European Union ID cards from being accepted as proof of identity could exacerbate existing problems for freight entering the UK- Uni, said a global road transport organization.

Under new immigration rules that come into effect on October 1 as part of post-Brexit measures to end freedom of movement, EU nationals will need a passport to enter the UK. United.

The International Road Transport Union (IRU) said that despite working closely with the UK government to brief carriers, some drivers were at risk of being caught out.

“In addition to not seeing the real benefits of adding this layer of bureaucracy, and potentially affecting the already difficult border freight flows after Brexit, we are also concerned that passports are generally more expensive than travel cards. ‘identity,’ said Raluca Marian, IRU EU Advocacy Director.

“UK authorities must implement the change from Friday with respect for professional drivers, without unnecessary bureaucracy or causing disruptions at borders or in the supply chain that would exacerbate serious supply chain problems already seen in the UK. UK due to driver shortage. “

The Home Office, the government department that administers immigration policy, said identity cards are among the “most dangerous and abused documents,” and that the transport industry has had nearly one year to prepare for changes.

It comes as Britain grapples with a shortage of tens of thousands of truck drivers, which has led to serious supply chain issues, with gas stations empty in recent days after a wave of panic shopping. Read more

Britain left the EU’s single market in early 2021, creating a full customs border with the bloc. However, London did not immediately put in place import controls on goods entering Britain to give businesses time to adjust, fearing they could cause delays.

Earlier this month, the government said those controls would now not be introduced until next year, citing the COVID pandemic as the reason. Read more

Reporting by Michael Holden. Editing by Andrew MacAskill

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