Three-month period for Brexit authorisation

The European Commission has confirmed a three-month period for the validity of safety authorisations for certain parts of rail infrastructure, should Britain leave the European Union with a ‘no-deal’ scenario on March 29.

This is particularly in relation to the Channel Tunnel, and is conditional on the UK maintaining safety standards identical to EU requirements. The EC said this would protect passengers and shuttle services following the withdrawal.

Announcing the proposal on February 13, the EC said it would help mitigate the “significant impact” that such a scenario could have on rail transport between the UK and mainland Europe. Market access and train driver licences must also comply to continue operation in Europe, it said.

The move follows calls by the European Council (Article 50) last November and December to intensify work at all levels. So far 19 legislative measures have been proposed and 88 preparedness notices have been published. However, the EC warned that contingency measures will not, and cannot, mitigate the overall impact of a ‘no-deal’ exit.

It said that the three-month period will be limited in scope but will be adopted unilaterally by the EU, and takes into account discussions with the remaining 27 member states.

A Eurostar spokesman told RAIL: “We expect to maintain services on the existing basis, timetable and terms and conditions following Brexit.”