This week has probably been one of the hardest ones the European Union has ever experienced since its foundation because of the results of the UK EU membership referendum. Brexit and Bregret are a hot potato, and while some sign petitions for another chance to vote, others try to figure out what will happen if and when the UK finally exits the EU. So, in the case of Brexit actually coming true, in what ways will the referendum result affect your fleet and its costs?
1. Fuel prices will get higher in the UK
The value of the pound has plunged recently to a value not seen since 1985: retailers are seeing an increase of around 1.5 pence per litre in the cost of fuel which is expected to increase at the pump by 2.5 pence in coming days, with more volatility expected over the next few weeks.
2. Trading conditions across borders will have to be renegotiated
Borders will change and special attention is being focussed on the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic: the two have enjoyed arrangements for free movement and mutually beneficial agreements on commercial matters, which have to be maintained, at least during the Brexit negotiations, or operators risk new costs from increased regulations and bureaucracy.
3. Changes in EU regulations for CPC, vehicles and tachograph rules in the UK
While it is true that leaving the European Union will mean that all EU regulations will be abandoned, on the other hand it is also true that the UK Government already has separate legislation covering many of the same matters dealt with by the EU. An example would be the Goods Vehicles (Licensing of Operators) Act 1995 and the Public Passenger Vehicles Act 1981, which are both pieces of UK legislation. The scenarios are possibly going to more complicated in other areas such as relate to driving licences and companies operating across different countries.
4. Driver shortage
Under the present conditions driver shortage is common; and with a big part of the existing workforce made up by migrants, it might be difficult to maintain the current staffing levels, especially as increasing immigration control has been one of the top promises of the Brexit campaign.
If the Brexit scenario comes true, more pressure and costs will be added to fleets and transport. For the moment the only certainty is that Cameron has resigned and left it for his successor to decide on the negotiations.
