RDG PREPARES FOR BREXIT

THE RAIL Delivery Group has announced plans to create new Railway Customs Areas (RCAs) at rail freight terminals across the country.

The move would see imports through the Channel Tunnel by rail avoid congestion at a single border checkpoint, and is designed to ensure smooth and efficient rail freight movement after the UK leaves the European Union.

At present rail freight inside the EU operates without the need for customs declarations, but there is a site each side of the Channel Tunnel for safety and security inspections. RDG says converting the site at Dollands Moor in Kent for customs use could create significant congestion and delays, so the RCAs would provide suitable customs security measures at existing terminals.