By Ross Williams
Alpha Contracts Leasing Ltd
WE do the hokey cokey and U-turn about!
I’m obviously talking about blooming Brexit! At the time of writing this, in mid March between a series of perhaps pointless votes by MPs, we don’t know how the exit is going to go, although my money will be on a magnificent fudge resulting in no decision. No doubt the majority of you will be of one mind, wishing it was over and we could have some clarity and allowing us to plan for the future.
There are some things you can do to manage the situation in respect of your car fleet to ensure that those drivers and vehicles that are going to drive to the continent are going to be legal moving forward in the event we do leave the EU. Even in the Brexit small print I’m not aware that we cannot go on holiday any more to the continent.
The responsibility of the driver of a vehicle to be in possession of a car’s V5 (or VE103 substitute in the case of a leased vehicle) will be unchanged. However, on top of that requirement there are a couple of other measures that need to be taken. A vehicle needs to have a compliant number plate showing the GB mark, or the car needs a GB sticker, remember those? A driver will need an International Driving Permit and for a proper stroll down Memory Lane they will need to carry a Green Card to prove the car is insured! I have one customer telling me his insurance company is charging £20 for a Green Card, which leads the cynic in me to think the industry has just seen a big blank cheque arrive!
Depending upon which countries a driver will be visiting they may also need to carry various mandatory equipment including warning triangles, reflective jackets, first aid kit and, in France, a breathalyser! The list isn’t exhaustive and you should always consult your insurance company for the proper advice.
There are some scary rumours being heard suggesting that some manufacturers won’t ship cars to the UK after Brexit, that the cost of cars will go up by 10 per cent if we leave the EU, and that Mrs May actually has a rational plan, Our advice is to ignore all of these rumours and receive some factual information by talking to the experts. There are cars galore coming to the UK and some of the special offers we are seeing are very good indeed as manufacturers move stock that won’t be compliant under the new Worldwide Emissions rules. So why not take advantage of this ‘perfect storm’ and talk to the team at Alpha Contracts about your next new vehicle.
The team can be reached on 01604 756620 for some free advice.
Safe motoring.