There are “significant gaps” in the UK’s border plans ahead of the end of the country’s transition period with the EU, logistics associations have warned.

Trade groups including the UK’s Road Haulage Association and Logistics UK claim preparations at the country’s borders are inadequate and could cause “severe” disruption after 31 December, when the transition period is set to elapse.

The UK left the EU at the end of January but, until the end of this year, the so-called transition period is in place while London and Brussels hold talks on a trade deal. If no agreement is reached, next year the UK and the EU will base their trading on World Trade Organization rules, which some argue could hit the UK economy.

The associations have written to Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove, who the UK government has placed in charge of “Brexit delivery”, to call for a meeting to discuss the situation, The Financial Times has reported.

“Our concern is so strong that we have collectively agreed to request an urgent roundtable meeting with yourself, the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Secretary of State for Transport,” the publication quoted the letter as stating.

“We are asking you to take seriously our concerns and listen to the detail during this roundtable so that we can collectively help government manage through this enormous challenge.”

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

The UK government says it has plans lined up so the country is “ready for the changes”, the BBC reported.

A spokesperson for the Cabinet Office told the broadcaster the Government had “worked closely with industry” in the development of a model to run and manage the UK borders and would “continue to do so as we move towards the end of the transition period”.