ARTICLE 50 as a roadmap has had many twists and turns, but the sat-nav is squawking, and we are due to take the next junction, Brexit. One word has dominated the process, uncertainty, but in recent weeks motorists could be forgiven for thinking this has morphed into full-blown confusion.
This is because in drivers in Northern Ireland have been advised about a number of steps they need to take to ensure that they can continue to drive in the Republic of Ireland with valid insurance should the UK leave the EU without a formal deal in place. However these measures have not been entirely consistent.
In January, the Association of British Insurers (ABI) issued 'no deal' Brexit advice urging those who regularly drive on both sides of the Irish border to request a 'green card' from their UK insurer and carry it with them as proof of insurance. The same requirements will apply to UK motorists wishing to drive elsewhere in the EU, and EU motorists travelling to the UK.
The UK government said last year that the UK, including Northern Ireland, would remain within the motor insurance 'free circulation zone' after Brexit, removing the need for green cards for travel to and from the EU. It said that it had secured the agreement of the Council of Bureaux, which administers the green card system, but has not yet received formal approval and confirmation of an introductory date by the European Commission.
Recent media reports now indicate that motorists in Northern Ireland have begun applying for international driving permits at their local post offices.
These permits are separate documents, available for an additional fee, and only cover travel between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
The Post Office said in a statement that it would be "reminding our branches to explain to customers that UK licence holders will not need an international driving permit to drive in Ireland".
The UK government had previously indicated that drivers from Northern Ireland would require an international driving permit to drive in the Republic of Ireland. This advice was subsequently withdrawn.
Approximately 110 million vehicles cross between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland every year including cars, HGVs and buses and coaches, according to the Department for the Economy.
The green card system is currently conducted on paper and documents cannot be delivered electronically. Each vehicle needs a separate certificate, and the ABI's guidance states that policyholders should apply at least one month before planned travel.
Of course these issues are not confined to Northern Ireland, but there is no doubt it will disproportionately affect people here, given the number whose livelihoods depend on daily cross-border travel.
It is an example of how as we approach the Brexit deadline, attention turns more towards its practical outworkings, rather than ideological arguments.
Whether we get to our destination on March 29, or are routed down a last minute diversion, government and industry must work harder to align well-meaning advice. Otherwise we'll all be lost.
:: Barnabus Shearer is insurance and litigation associate solicitor at Pinsent Masons
