A Cumbrian haulier is calling for clarity after becoming one of hundreds of firms denied a permit which could potentially affect whether it can operate in the European Union after Brexit.

Tyson H Burridge, based in Distington, missed out on being granted a European Conference of Ministers of Transport (ECMT) permit.

Although the situation is unclear, hauliers may be required to have the permits so they can operate in the EU after Britain leaves the trading bloc on March 29.

Despite 1,991 HGV operators applying for over 11,000 permits this month, less than 1,000 have been made available.

Tyson H Burridge managing director Neil Robinson said the company applied for five permits, but had not been granted any of them.

The company, which operates 28 vehicles, makes weekly trips to the EU.

The Road Haulage Association has said that in the event of a no deal Brexit "ECMT permits are the only certain arrangements" that will definitely allow hauliers to continue operating in the EU.

However, RHA north west area manager Darren Lomax said "hopefully" this would not be the case if there was a deal.

Mr Robinson said there was a need for clarity over the situation.

"We either need a deal where we don't need these permits or for enough permits to be issued to those who need them," he said.

The Department for Transport has said an additional 2,832 one-month permits “will start to be allocated” by the end of the month.

Those who did not receive permits in the first round will automatically be considered for these permits.

Mr Lomax said: "ECMT permits are the only certain arrangements that will be in place for UK haulage operators in the event of a no-deal Brexit on 29 March 2019.

"Other options are being pursued, in particular the EU Commission’s proposal for a contingency arrangement for 2019. The alternative being the fall back to bilateral agreements with other countries.

"If these alternatives transpire, the need for ECMT permits will radically reduce overall and it is likely that they will only be needed for transit beyond the EU and for some cross-trade within the EU.

"The EU Commission has proposed allowing haulage between the UK and EU for rest of 2019 if the UK reciprocates - the UK has confirmed this. The commission proposal is currently proceeding through the EU legislative processes and remains uncertain – despite the UK meeting the commission’s requirements. "Changes to the proposal to permit some cross-trade and cabotage during 2019 and to allow discussions between the UK and EU States on potential future bilateral agreements are currently being pushed by EU states."