The National Centre for Social Research (NatCen) is conducting research for the Department for Transport (DfT), focussing on UK commercial road transport operators using GB-EU and GB-Schengen routes.
They are now on Phase 3, which consists of a research survey and an optional follow-up interview. Phase 3 is part of a wider programme of research exploring how operators have adapted to the 90/180 Schengen rule since the introduction and implementation of the European Union (EU) Entry/Exit System (EES), and the impact these changes have had on their operations.
This phase aims to understand operators’ experiences now that EES has been operational since April 2026. The survey explores any changes organisations have experiences since EES was introduced, including impacts on operations, workforce planning, scheduling, compliance processes and business costs, as well as any actions taken in response.
Whether your organisation currently operates GB-EU or GB-Schengen routes, or has reduced, paused or stopped this activity, NatCen would like to hear from you. Your participation will help DfT build a clearer picture of how EES is affecting different parts of the sector, and will inform future policy development and engagement with industry.
The survey should take around 15 minutes to complete and closes on Friday 27 November. As a thank you for taking part, participants who complete the survey will receive a £10 Love2Shop voucher. At the end of the survey, you will have the opportunity to indicate whether you would be willing to take part in a voluntary follow-up interview. Agreeing to be contacted about an interview is entirely optional.
Your responses will be kept confidential and handled in accordance with UK GDPR. The information provided will be used for research purposes only. Findings will be reported in a way that does not identify individuals or operators. Further information is in the privacy notice. If you have any questions about the research, please contact the NatCen research team at EES@natcen.ac.uk or on 020 7549 7113.