The Department for Transport (DfT) has confirmed that more than 200,000 HGV drivers and crew have been tested en route to France, since new COVID 19 testing requirements came into place.

The DfT has thanked all hauliers for complying with the measures and helping keep Kent traffic delays to a minimum.

If you get a negative COVID-19 test and a valid Kent Access Permit  before arriving in Kent you will be fast tracked to arrive quickly at Eurotunnel or the Port of Dover.

Drivers need to take a test before they leave the UK for some countries, including France and are advised to check the DfT’s guide to find out which countries require them and how to get a free test at one of the 37 test locations set up across the UK.

In the six weeks since the transition period ended, fewer than 5% of hauliers have been turned back from the port.

Drivers are urged to follow the traffic management directions in Kent to ensure a speedy crossing.

New COVID-19 testing sites for drivers travelling to the EU

The new sites have opened and are located at the following service stations:

• Birchanger:  Old Dunmow Road, Bishops Stortford, CM23 5QZ
• Baldock: A1(M), 10, Radwell, Baldock, SG7 5TR
• Cobham: 9/10 M25, Downside, Cobham, KT11 3DB

Changes to French COVID protocol

French authorities have introduced new rules for hauliers. Hauliers returning to France within 48 hours of arrival in the UK no longer require a COVID-19 test.

Hauliers from the Republic of Ireland can now rely on a negative test taken in Ireland if the test was carried out within 72 hours of departure from a UK port for France.

COVID 19Department for TransporteurotunnelPort of dover

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