Brussels’ ‘insane’ law to ‘PENALISE’ Britons to be enforced in the UK despite EU exit
Coming into effect after Brexit, ride-on lawnmowers, golf carts and tractors will be required to have motor insurance. Described as “insane” by Boris Johnson, the law comes from an EU directive interpreted by the European Court of Justice (ECJ).
Although the UK is leaving the EU, the withdrawal agreement stated pre-Brexit judgements carried out by the ECJ will continue to apply.
Mr Johnson had been urged by lawyers the law could leave homeowners facing prosecution for driving any vehicle without insurance.
The chief of executive of the Motor Insurers’ Board (MIB) also warned the new law will end up “penalising ordinary” people.
Dominic Clayden told The Sunday Telegraph: “Through this application of EU law in Britain, millions of new uninsured vehicles have potentially been created.
“This will end up penalising ordinary people just going about their business on private land.
“Leaving the EU means we now have an opportunity to decide our laws for ourselves and we want to work with the Government to find a path forward.”
The MIB had attempted to appeal against the ECJ’s ruling but the decision was upheld by the Court of Appeal.
They are also asking the Prime Minister to ensure the rule is overturned once the UK leaves the trade bloc.
JUST IN: Britons DEMAND new post-Brexit blue passports made in UK
In 2016 the Government was forced to carry out a consultation on implementing the EU regulation.
The law followed a case whereby a man fell from a ladder after being hit by a tractor-trailer.
Commenting at the time, the Department of Transport said: “We oppose any measures which impose an unreasonable burden on the public.”
During the transition stage, the UK will still pay into the EU’s budget and will also adhere to EU laws.
DON’T MISS
Brexit-bashing civil servants deliberately tried to sabotage EU exit [Latest]
Brussels power grab: Guy Verhofstadt demands EU take control of TAXES [Latest]
Brexit news: Will deal create chaos for UK’s time zones? [Latest]
The transition stage ends on December 31, 2020, but before then, the UK and EU will carry out trade talks in the coming weeks.
Before talks have even begun, both sides have clashed over how the future agreement will be shaped.
Mr Johnson has indicated his desire to have an agreement similar to that of Canada and the EU.
Brussels officials, however, have ruled the proposal out with Michel Barnier claiming it is not possible.
The EU negotiator said: “A trade agreement that includes in particular fishing and includes a level playing field, with a country that has a very particular proximity – a unique territorial and economic closeness.
“It can’t be compared to Canada or South Korea or Japan.”
The Comprehensive Economic and Tarde Agreement between the EU and Canada took seven years to negotiate.
Most import tariffs were removed though some customs and VAT checks remain.
Source: Read Full Article