The DVSA has announced from 6 April, all hauliers entering England from abroad, except those arriving from the Common Travel Area, including Ireland, and staying longer than 2 days, must take a coronavirus test.
Hauliers are required to take a test within two days of arrival and every three days thereafter. This is to reduce the risk of new COVID variants entering and spreading in the UK.
Free testing continues to be available at the DVSA’s Information and Advice sites, or from workplace and community testing centres and home testing kits. To find out more on when and where to get tested, click here.
France has removed its requirement for a negative test before entering from the UK. Hauliers will still require a negative test, however, when travelling to some countries and are strongly encouraged to check the entry requirements of the countries they plan to travel to and get tested.
Legal requirement
It will also be a legal requirement from 6 April for hauliers to self-isolate in the cab during the duration of their time in England. Hauliers will be able to leave the cab for essential purposes, including:
- Obtaining food
- Seeking medical and emergency assistance
- Using wash facilities including using communal showers
- Refuelling, and to ensure your vehicle and load are roadworthy
If you are a UK resident, you are able to isolate at home while not working.
Hauliers will be subject to regular monitoring on arrival in England and face fines of up to £2,000 if they are found to not be complying with the new testing requirements, and up to £1,000 if not complying with the cab self-isolation requirement.
