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Kent calls for truck management measures

[ July 9, 2018   //   ]

Kent County Council (KCC) is calling on the Government to consider additional legislative powers and technology to stagger the arrival of lorries into Kent if the situation demands it after Brexit. It is also calling for more investment in the country’s ports including alternatives to Dover and to consider setting up a system to hold freight at its point of origin or specific hubs when port capacity is limited.

In a position paper presented to the Council on 12 July, KCC leader Paul Carter, said: “KCC very much hopes that frictionless borders can be maintained which will not lead to delays and disruption at the ports. However, should this disruption arise, contingency plans covering ports and highways infrastructure need to be in place to minimise the disruption of Kent residents and businesses.”

The report says that it is essential there is a robust, workable implementation plan that utilises all available resources for Operation Brock, the replacement for Operation Stack,

Since 2015, Stack has been avoided through the effective deployment of Dover TAP and increased lorry parking being available at the port of Dover and at Eurotunnel. KCC urges the Government to consider making further resources available including the opportunity of additional TAP on the A2 near Lydden and make more use of the former Manston Airport as an emergency lorry park.

The report also acknowledges that new customs arrangements might increase demand for Kent Trading Standards services. However training additional officers will take time and resources and KCC is calling on the Government to fully fund the impact on the county.

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