The relaxation of some rules is a temporary fix and only one part of the story. Photo credit: Shutterstock
The Government’s new dual registration laws will apply to haulage companies with a base in the UK and another abroad, the Department for Transport said. It means they will be able to transfer their vehicle between both operator licences without the need to change vehicles or have their journeys limited. They will also not have to pay Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) in the UK for six months.
The new rules will apply to travel not just to the EU, but also to other countries. Musicians should take note that Carnets and merchandise rules will still apply. MU members can find out more in the Union’s Working in the EU advice hub.
Small haulage companies are still bound by the cabotage rules
The relaxation of some rules is good news for the big hauliers, featured artists and MU members engaged to play on those tours. But this is a temporary fix and only one part of the story.
Small haulage companies undertaking medium sized tours with only a small fleet are still bound by the cabotage rules. These small hauliers simply don’t have the resources to finance two operations in the UK and EU.
The MU continues to engage with the Government on some kind of cultural exemption for all cultural event hauliers. Work is also ongoing in the orchestral sector to secure a similar arrangement for ‘own account’ operators (orchestras who own their own single specialist vehicle for tours).
Thanks to MU lobbying, last year the Government confirmed that musicians in splitter vans can move freely and are not restricted by the cabotage arrangements as previously announced.
Find out more by visiting the Union’s Working in the EU advice hub.