Travel traffic light system critiqued by aviation expert

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The UK’s traffic light system for foreign travel was intended to make rules clear on whether holidays were going ahead. However, disputes between Government ministers has led to “mixed messaging” which could destroy jobs and livelihoods in the travel and tourism industry.

The claim comes as Boris Johnson issued a warning to Brits that they should avoid holidaying in Amber list countries after MP George Eustice claimed they could go and visit friends.

Speaking on BBC Newsnight, Paul Charles, an aviation analyst, said the lack of clarity from the Government was causing confusion.

He said: “Government ministers are clearly confused themselves at the moment and that breeds through to consumers who will be confused if the Government doesn’t know what the message is.

“But fundamentally, the Prime Minister has delivered on what he said he would deliver in February this year when he announced his roadmap.

“He said that in May overseas travel would start, so that’s to be welcomed.

“I think the problem is now we’ve got government infighting leading to this mixed messaging.”

Mr Charles added: “It’s quite clear that the health hawks in the Cabinet and in Public Health England are trying to rein in this policy, they’re trying to bring the Prime Minister back and prevent him from opening things up.”

The UK’s traffic light system states that passengers travelling from green listed countries will not be required to quarantine upon entry to the UK.

In a statement on Tuesday, Mr Johnson reiterated that travel to amber countries for a holiday was not advised.

He said: “I think it’s very important for people to grasp what an amber list country is: it is not somewhere where you should be going on holiday, let me be very clear about that.

“And if people do go to an amber list country, they absolutely have to for some pressing family or urgent business reason, then please bear in mind that you will have to self-isolate, you’ll have to take tests and do your passenger locator form and all the rest of it.”

Mr Charles said: “Everybody wants clarity and this confusion is no good whether for politicians or for the travel sector.”

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He added that the only way to save the industry was for consumers to put money back into the sector.

According to the World Travel and Tourism council, half a million jobs will be at risk unless there is a significant reopening of the tourism sector.

Mr Charles added: “We’re talking about jobs and livelihoods here, and that’s why Government ministers have got to get this messaging right.”

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