Fandango over need for “permit” to drive to Kent after brexit via @FT but as one insider tells me, it’s an empty vessel of a system.../1 https://on.ft.com/2ZZg6j5 

The SmartFreight isn’t that “smart” - the only data you input, I’m told, is your vehicle reg number. Otherwise it’s yes/no answers. /2

So one Q is: Do you have an MRN [Movement reference number] from an import declaration or TAD? [Transit Accompanying Document]

Answer yes/no.

Then “continue”

Apparently it’s not actually linked to anything. Just a declaration. /3

So I’m looking forward to Kent Police flagging down offenders, card machine in hand, to collect the fines.

Suspicion in the industry is that the system will be used simply to regulate traffic – and keep the queues up north, not in Kent. /4

That way when there are only 2000 trucks queueing outside Dover it can all be declared a mighty success.

of course all of this is a classic distraction from what we should really be worrying about, which is how the GB – NI border is going to be operational on Jan 1. /5

And all that shouldn’t deflect (but has) from near uniform fury of industry today at implication by @michaelgove that they just need to try harder.

Real anger about basic lack of clarity on duty deferrals applications and simplified customs procedure./6

Industry discovered this week that if they use a brokers authorisation for simplified procedures then the broker will be liable – which experts warn will simply mean many brokers will not take on the business./7

Similarly The lack of customs brokers remains a huge problem; the industry is rife with stories of experienced brokers being poached and the available grants being used to augment “trainee” salaries of 30k to 40K/8

I could go on, but I’m off to bed instead! Another mad day. ENDS