Brexit bureaucracy? 'Green card' required for UK drivers in Ireland

Motorists in Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK are set to face major rules changes to driving in Ireland and mainland Europe, from January 1, 2021.

Unless an agreement is reached between the UK and EU on their post-Brexit relationship, drivers will be required to produce a special insurance document, known as a 'green card', in order to drive anywhere in the bloc.

The changes are fuelling concerns in Northern Ireland and Dublin about the UK's wider intentions to diverge radically from established standards, according to Euronews.

Although, the withdrawal agreement keeps the border on the Island of Ireland open; there are mounting concerns that the new insurance system will be costly and a burden for the already struggling border businesses and communities.

'Those changes are going to be difficult'

John Martin, policy manager at the Road Haulage Association in Northern Ireland, told Euronews: "This is just another layer of bureaucracy if introduced, albeit feedback from some of the insurance sector says that insurance certificates already have this green card provision already included."

For residents in Northern Ireland and the Irish Government, the changes are likely to be an harbinger of more dramatic changes yet to come.

"Brexit will also bring changes, many of which, most of us don't want. Unfortunately, those changes are going to be difficult for people on both sides of the border," said Irish Minister for EU Affairs Thomas Byrne.