Transport expected to be the service most hit by a ‘Halloween’ Brexit

AGENCIES across Oxfordshire have been working together to prepare for the UK potentially leaving the EU on October 31. Although there is national uncertainty about the short-term impact of Brexit, the Government has asked Oxfordshire councils to highlight that they are prepared to respond to any foreseeable potential impact on public services for which they are directly responsible.

Image of Waitrose’s new ultra, low carbon vehicle – Courtesy of gray-adams.com

Short-term risks to public safety and normal daily life have been assessed by emergency planners in Oxfordshire and remain ‘low’, though Transport and the supply chain is expected to be the service most hit by disruption, for instance for managing lorry traffic to or from the south coast ports.

Rob MacDougall, Chief Fire Officer and Oxfordshire County Council lead Brexit planner, said: “All the councils and other agencies have been working well together to plan for Brexit, including leaving the EU without a deal. There are already plans in place to cover foreseeable types of short-term disruption to public services that are delivered by local partners in Oxfordshire.

“Overall we believe the risks to public service delivery are low. The biggest risk of disruption is to transport and the supply chain, for instance managing lorry traffic to or from the south coast ports.

“In fact, plans for this kind of disruption had already been made. The Thames Valley Local Resilience Forum role includes managing the impact of major disruption to strategic roads in the area which are being reviewed in the context of Brexit.

“The government has asked to closely monitor potential impacts of Brexit on local businesses. We recognise concerns expressed by local employers. Oxfordshire councils stand ready to provide any practical support within their powers to local businesses. This could include identifying specific Oxfordshire impacts and relaying those to the government.”

Mark Stone, Chief Executive of South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse District Councils, said: “We’re not expecting any significant impact on our part of the country, but we hope our residents are reassured that we have been working together across Oxfordshire to ensure the councils here are well prepared.”

Links to specific information and advice for businesses and individuals can be found HERE