Delays experienced by motorists heading for the Port of Dover this weekend, highlight the need to look at the ‘bigger picture’ to provide facilities for all – says the FTA today.

Drivers’ queued for up to 14 hours on Kent’s roads over the past few days as they attempted to clear additional French security checks at the Port and board ferries bound for France. 

Responding to the situation the Freight Transport Association has said that now is the ideal opportunity to consider the feasibility of the proposed lorry area near Stanford being made available for tourist traffic if needed in order to keep the M20 moving.

FTA Head of Policy South East England – Natalie Chapman said: “We do need to solve the root causes of congestion and delays at the Port.  Given the recent terrorist attack in Nice, FTA fully understands the need for heightened security and additional checks, but it is unforgiveable that the French border force was so under-resourced.

 “Dover is vital to the UK economy with up to £120 billion worth of trade going through the Port every year.  There must be better processes put in place at the Port with extra personnel drafted in at peak times – otherwise there is a risk that Operation Stack may be introduced and we cannot have a repeat performance of last year.”

Highways England is due to be consulting on the details for the design and operation of the new site adjacent to the M20 to alleviate Operation Stack for lorry drivers in the coming weeks.
 

Freight Transport Association

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