skip to main content

More Work to be Done Following Positive News on International Music Tour Travel Limits

The Government has announced that UK hauliers working on music concerts, sporting and cultural events will be able to make unlimited international trips. However, small haulage companies undertaking medium sized tours with only a small fleet are still bound by the cabotage rules.

Published: 09 May 2022 | 2:49 PM Updated: 09 May 2022 | 5:35 PM
The red cab of a haulage truck is speeding down a rural road.
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.

Get MU membership today

From gig players to part-time teachers and professional instrumentalists, MU members can access specialist insurance for musicians. This includes accident cover, health schemes, travel insurance and car insurance add-ons through the Musicians’ Union.

Explore our member services

  • Get public liability insurance for musicians
  • Access expert legal support
  • Be represented in your profession
  • Access expert career advice, resources, and training events
  • Connect, network, and get to know the community of musicians

Learn about all membership benefits

Get MU membership today

Continue reading

Cardboard box with mics in and around to capture organic sound for the shoe box scene.

Wider Than The Sky: Janie Price on First Time Scriptwriting and Composing for Short Film

Musician Janie Price aka Bird has just released her first short film soundtrack ‘Wider Than The Sky’, she’s also been a member of the MU for 24 years. In this guest blog, she shares her journey and advice for other members intrigued by the world of score design and DIY projects.

Published: 15 July 2024

Read more about Wider Than The Sky: Janie Price on First Time Scriptwriting and Composing for Short Film
Black and white image of Gil sat at a piano in his younger years.

Tribute to Gil Martin

Gilbert Alexander Martin was a successful and highly accomplished pianist, as well as a lifelong member and supporter of the Musician's Union. He passed away on 29 May 2024. This tribute has been provided by Gil’s daughters, Gillian and Susan.

Published: 11 July 2024

Read more about Tribute to Gil Martin
Sir Kier Starmer Labour leader giving his first speech after winning the general election and becoming prime minister on 5 July.

MU Welcomes New Labour Government and Meets New MPs

Having been so heavily involved in forming Labour policy and the manifesto, we look forward to working with the new Government to implement meaningful change for the country and for musicians.

Published: 11 July 2024

Read more about MU Welcomes New Labour Government and Meets New MPs