‘It’s not worked!’ Traffic light system could be scrapped and cost of travel cut – warning
UK's traffic light system 'hasn't worked' says Charles
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The traffic light system for international travel could be gone by the end of September as rules are set to change on October 1. A new two-tier system of international travel regulations is planned to make travel easier for vaccinated passengers.
Under the traffic light system, double-jabbed Brits do not have to self-isolate on their return from a country on the Government’s amber list.
However, they must take a pre-departure test before arrival in the UK as well as a PCR test on or before day two after arrival.
Countries on the Government’s amber travel list at the moment include popular destinations such as Spain, Greece and Portugal.
In proposed changes to a two-tier system, the green and amber list of countries would be combined to make it easier for double-jabbed tourists to travel.
Paul Charles, CEO of The PC Agency and travel expert said on the traffic light system: “It hasn’t been working.
“It’s deeply unpopular, it’s caused financial and mental distress to those on holidays.
“Essentially the system’s not worked because countries have been moved from one colour category to another at short notice.”
Expensive tests and quick changes to travel rules have caused many tourists to spend far more than normal on an international holiday.
Double-jabbed people should be allowed to return to normality, Paul claimed. He told BBC: “If you’re fully-jabbed and you’ve chosen to be fully-jabbed, you want to return to some sort of normality.
“I think we need to see a standard where you can go virtually anywhere at your individual risk, you take that risk and where the testing regime is looser for those who are fully-jabbed.”
Asked about the ban on travel for the unvaccinated, Paul said: “I think it’s no different to what we’re seeing in nightclubs in the UK.
“Essentially if you’re not fully-jabbed then you have the incentive to get fully-jabbed, by being able to go away and not having to pay so much in tests.”
Paul added that passengers will still have to check the travel rules at their holiday destination under the two-tier system.
He said: “That’s part of the international uncertainty that’s been created by countries not working together.
“The UK has a great opportunity to set a global standard, that’s what the Prime Minister should be doing so that other countries follow.”
Under proposed changes to UK international travel regulations, the red list would remain in place with all travellers required to enter hotel quarantine on return.
Countries currently on the UK Government’s red list include South Africa, Egypt, India and Turkey.
Current FCDO advice is to check local restrictions before leaving for an international holiday.
A Government spokesperson said: “Our international travel policy is guided by one overwhelming priority- protecting public health.”
Any changes to the present rules, including advice for double-jabbed passengers, are expected on October 1.
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