RHA urges testing of EES before roll-out

RHA is concerned over the readiness for the roll-out of the Entry/Exit System (EES) between the EU and the UK.

The EES is planned to go live from October this year. It is an automated IT system for registering non-EU nationals travelling for a short stay, each time they cross the external borders of European countries using the system. Designed to replace passport stamping, it automates border control procedures and is intended to make travelling to European countries more efficient.

“We are concerned about EES readiness and would urge Government and Ports to ensure the infrastructure is ready before the go live” – Ashton Cull, RHA Public Affairs Manager

Ashton Cull, RHA Public Affairs Manager, said: “We are concerned about EES readiness and would urge Government and Ports to ensure the infrastructure is ready before the go live. It needs to be tested before it’s activated to ensure that it can cope when problems occur and we have been working with all concerned parties to ensure this happens.”

The comment from the RHA follows concerns from the Justice and Home Affairs Committee of the House of Lords, which believes the EES could lead to disruption at borders.

Trade body CPT also made its concerns known and is pressing Ministers and port authorities to ensure that dedicated facilities are available for coaches with sufficient capacity to handle flows in school holidays and other peak periods.