17:15

Northern Ireland hauliers will not have to get special permit to travel to Republic of Ireland in the event of no deal, it has emerged.

Originally, it was envisaged that only 60 permits would be available to freight vehicles in the region, creating the prospect of chaos after 29 March if the UK crashes out of the EU.

More than 4,000 commercial vehicles cross the border every day, according to the Freight Transport Association.

“While the FTA welcomes this special status for businesses in Northern Ireland – it will help maintain vital cross border, all-island supply chains in the event of a no-deal Brexit – the ideal scenario would be a UK-wide application,” said Seamus Leheny, director of police for Northern Ireland at the FTA.

In a no deal scenario Britain faces major threats to business and complex supply changes, however, with just 1,224 special permits available for Britain under its new status as a third country.



