Shropshire Chamber of Commerce is urging haulage companies to ensure their staff are Covid tested before trying to leave the UK – to avoid potentially costly delays.

The call has come from Ruth Ross, the Chamber’s director of business, after reports of issues for hauliers were unaware of the regulations which are currently in place before gaining entry to France.

She said: “All hauliers planning to cross the Channel are currently required to provide proof of a negative Covid test, which must have been carried out within 72 hours of the departure time.

“The government has asked for our assistance in helping to spread the word around the Shropshire business community, to ensure that our hauliers can move steadily across the border.

“Delays can be very costly, and these measures relate to drivers of HGVs, LDVs and other vans.”

The nearest Covid-testing sites to Shropshire are on the M6 at Stafford, Sandbach and Cannock, and Strensham on the M5. The full list of locations can be found at www.gov.uk/guidance/haulier-advice-site-locations

However, the government has warned that capacity at some of these testing centres will be limited.

Paul Scully, minister for small business, said companies may want to consider testing hauliers on their own premises.

“The Department of Health and Social Care will provide lateral flow testing kits entirely free of charge until the end of March, and support in establishing testing facilities,” he said.

In addition to Covid tests at the advice sites, drivers and crew of HGVs, LGVs and vans can also find out about the rules and documents needed to move goods between the UK and EU.

Also how to complete a free border readiness check to ensure they have the correct documentation to cross the EU border from Kent.