Anticipate long waits as entry into Poland becomes increasingly challenging.
The Brest checkpoint, the only active checkpoint for private cars on the border with Poland, is gearing up for a period of potential traffic congestion. Repair work on the asphalt concrete covering is scheduled to begin on June 30 and last until July 14.
This news comes as over 2,400 cars and around 50 buses were waiting to exit at the Brest checkpoint as of the evening of June 29. Long queues at the Polish border for Belarusian vehicles are not uncommon, and several factors contribute to this congestion.
Firstly, the high volume of vehicles transporting goods such as diesel oil from Belarus to the EU increases traffic intensity at border crossings and reduces throughput efficiency, particularly during peak seasons like spring and autumn.
Secondly, failures or technical issues in customs data processing systems on the EU side can cause delays and exacerbate queue lengths. For instance, reported system malfunctions in Latvia affecting cargo clearance have added to the problem.
Thirdly, the extensive customs checks and controls for vehicles leaving Belarus headed into the EU require time for documentation and inspection, contributing to queue buildup.
Additionally, large logistics undertakings associated with events and cross-border trade, as well as occasional protests or disruptions, can further interrupt normal border traffic flow, adding to congestion.
The State Customs Committee (SCC) has issued a warning to Belarusians about crossing the Belarus-Poland border, advising them to be prepared for possible delays due to the repair work and the usual customs processing complexities.
It's important to note that the repair work is intended for private cars and buses, and while it may cause additional congestion, it is necessary to ensure the smooth operation of the checkpoint in the long run.
In recent months, the Brest checkpoint has seen a significant number of administrative cases opened for various violations, with over 1,300 cases recorded in the last three months. However, more serious cases, including drug-related crimes, have been prevented at the checkpoint since early April.
Passengers and their vehicles are being inspected more thoroughly at the Brest checkpoint, with 50 instances of attempted goods smuggling using hidden compartments reported. Despite these challenges, the Brest checkpoint regularly sees massive queues, even without repairs.
The SCC encourages travellers to plan their journeys accordingly and to be patient during this period of repair work. With the right preparations and understanding of the factors contributing to the congestion, travellers can navigate the Brest checkpoint more smoothly.
Due to the repair work on the Brest checkpoint scheduled from June 30 to July 14, travelers might expect potential traffic congestion, particularly if they are planning to leave Belarus for the EU via private cars or buses. This news follows reports of over 2,400 cars and around 50 buses waiting to exit at the Brest checkpoint, and the ongoing customs checks and controls contribute significantly to the queue buildup.
