The government is planning to create an “inland port” where imports can be inspected without causing tailbacks at coastal ports, insiders have revealed.
Bloombergreported that HMRC was in talks to rent a warehouse at Magna Park in Milton Keynes, which is around 75 miles from the Port of Tilbury, 110 miles from the Port of Felixstowe and 130 miles from Dover.
The publication said the government department was discussing a lease with the facility’s owner, Gazeley, but a spokesperson from the European warehouse developer declinedBloomberg’srequest for comment.
The plan follows warnings last November from HMRC director general for border coordination Karen Wheeler that Britain will need to bolster its inland infrastructure to cope with increased customs checks after Brexit.
Demand for warehouse pace is also booming in the UK due to the rapid growth of e-commerce,Bloombergreported.
