Borders between countries closing is leading to congestion and delays for trucks and loads getting throughÂ
FRANCE
The country is now is in restriction (like Italy) but transport is not directly affected. Not directly, because many transport companies are already out of work. All big factories closed, all shops are closed, restaurants not allowed to open, construction companies…. business is now really slow. Only food, medical and fuel service stations still functioning.
French people are not allowed to leave France, 80% of flights will be cancelled.
For truck drivers who are still working, now the biggest problem is to live while on the road.
FINLAND
State of Emergency issued with Emergency Laws coming into force on 18.03.2020.
Finnair, which operates 110 routes and 12,000 flights a month, has now cut 90% of its traffic. Norway has closed its borders in the North from the Finns, and Russia and Estonia control movements on the Westend. The ferry service is suspended on Tallinn-Stockholm, Riga-Stockholm and partly on Helsinki-Tallinn. All public gatherings of more than 10 people have been banned from Wednesday.
ITALY
Road transport: still working properly, ie., long distance, distribution and logistics. No fuel shortage, for the time being. The Government has sealed Sicily and Sardinia. Passenger transport to and from the two islands is not allowed anymore to avoid the spreading of epidemic. Freight transport is allowed.
Today, the Government has approved an emergency economic package of €25 billion to support the Italian economy.
POLAND
On the biggest border routes at Frankfurt an Oder (motorway A2 to Berlin) sees thousands of Ukrainian and Lithuanian cars and minibuses waiting for opening of the border. But last decision by government implemented to defend Poland from virus and doesn’t allow foreigners to transit through the country now. Most of people have only the chance to use ferry to go to Lithuania. Decision to close borders on Sunday was taken on Friday and announced but…some people don’t accept new situation. Those restrictions don’t include trucks but, because of faster traffic, cars are blocking the trucks’ passage through borders.
SPAIN
The Interior Ministry has given the order to close all land borders with France and Portugal. Only the passage of merchandise (transport is not affected), residents and for greater cause will be allowed. In addition was given the order that the service stations favour the supply of food and drink, as well as access to the toilets for transport professionals.
SWITZERLAND
From midnight until 19th April the state of emergency is declared. Border-control by land and air, only Swiss returning to the country and people with the necessary paperwork are allowed in (transit for people stays are possible). All shops not needed for daily needs are closed, also fitness centres, wellness centres, zoos, skiing areas – you name it – all closed. Goods in and out and transit are not affected. The idea is to keep the health system running, which is still in good shape and is providing enough emergency beds for patients of corona and other critical situations.
From Thursday on (19th March) public transport will slow down, long distance, regional and city. Frequencies will be halved (e.g. instead of a train every half hour, they run every hour). As in most other countries home office is advised and is being adopted to great effect.
UK
Last evening (March 16th) PM Boris Johnson issued the UK’s first significant restrictions. The key measures are:
- Non-essential journeys have been banned.
- Home-working must be carried out where possible.
- From this weekend at-risk groups (such as the sick and over 70s) must self-isolate for at least 12 weeks.
- Everyone should avoid crowded places.
Meanwhile all UK borders are open. Trucks are not affected by any restrictions. Night-time curfews have been relaxed. There are plenty of stories of truck drivers being refused access to customers’ toilets because of the virus. This is illegal.
Additional information will be included as soon as it becomes available