Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the effect of cabotage restrictions on touring performers; and what plans they have to address such effects.

The Department for Transport’s assessment is that the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement will allow for the vast majority of haulage operations that were being undertaken by UK hauliers before the end of the transition period.

The agreement does introduce some limits, and UK hauliers will only be allowed to undertake two movements within the EU before returning to the UK.  These rules will apply to specialist hauliers, such as hauliers who carry equipment for touring performers.

Alternative arrangements for specialist hauliers were discussed in detail as part of negotiations, including specific proposals for liberalised access, but the EU was unable to agree more flexible arrangements.

The Department for Transport is in regular contact with the road haulage industry and is working closely with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport and the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy to support the creative industries sector.