HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has announced adjustments to the scheduled introduction and life-span of several of its inland border facilities today (Thursday, June 16). (IBFs).
IBFs were created to deal with post-Brexit Border Control Checks, and they were regularly scrutinized to ensure they were cost-effective.
This evaluation included a new planned site in Dover, and after looking into the volume of cross-channel traffic and the necessary checks, it was decided not to proceed with the location. The analysis revealed that the present facilities can handle the current traffic flow and that a new location is not required.
This decision will save roughly £120 million – the estimated cost of creating and operating Dover IBF over the planned period – and allow the money to be put to better use elsewhere.
The fact that the Inland Border Facility was not built does not indicate that the government no longer requires it. Given difficulties with interruption on the vital road network in Kent and at the ports, the Department of Transport (DfT) is now examining other possibilities for its expansion to relieve strain at the border.
To ensure that any development benefits the local community and economy, the Department of Transport will continue to interact with Dover MP Natalie Elphicke, local leaders, companies, and people.
Along with Dover, the Birmingham and North Weald IBF installations have been decided to close ahead of time. When the UK initially left the EU, several IBF stations were set up on a temporary basis to help with customs procedures.
HMRC no longer need the help of the interim sites now that the sites in Holyhead and Sevington are fully operating and coping well with demand. More information will be provided as soon as possible.