Warning over new rule kicking in today which could see MILLIONS of drivers charged mandatory £10 fee
DRIVERS are being warned over a new rule that comes into effect today which could see MILLIONS behind the wheel charged £10.
It comes as part of fresh Home Office regulations that will impact non-European visitors entering the country.
From today, those who fall into that category will need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) as part of plans to bolster security.
The move is set to affect everyone from holidaymakers to those travelling for business trips.
However, lorry drivers may be the largest group who feel the new £10 fee sting.
The new changes will be implemented at border security check points, including the Port of Calais.
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ETA's work as a digital form of pre-travel authorisation, valid for two years, connected to drivers' passports.
They will allow motorists to travel into the UK, without needing a visa, and cost £10 to apply for.
The new security measure offers travellers permit stays of up to six months.
While the regulation only applies to non-European visitors now, this will change on March 5.
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From that date, European nationals will also have to be in possession of an ETA ahead of the official roll out on April 2.
But, Economy Minister Conor Murphy for Northern Ireland warned ETA's will have a “devastating impact” on tourism.
He told : “I have made it clear to Minister Malhotra that solutions to the ETA Scheme are needed to protect the north’s tourism sector.
"Ideally a complete exemption should be introduced for those crossing into the north but not travelling on to Britain.
“At the very least a time-limited exemption for people visiting up to seven days would cover most of our international visitors.
“The existing exemption for French school groups shows that a solution is perfectly possible. A similar, pragmatic, and flexible approach could be taken by the Home Office to avoid damaging tourism growth in the north.”
Meanwhile, UK lorry drivers will have to apply for an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) before entering the EU.
They will have to fork out £5.84, or €7 for the European visa.
This will remain valid for three years, and links to their passports, as with the ETA.
Motorists have also been warned they must travel with a plethora of important documents if they are operating, or even a passenger, in a commercial vehicle carrying goods between countries.
These include a valid UK driving licence, an international driving permit (IDP), valid Driver Certificate of Professional Competence card, a valid passport and healthcare documents.
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For HGV drivers, the requirements vary slightly but they must have their vehicle and trailer registration documents, certificates for any specialist approvals the vehicle has, a goods vehicle operator licence disc, licences or permits needed for the journey, vehicle and trailer insurance documents and a UK sticker.
