The EU transition will come to an end in December, and it’s vital we plan ahead to keep people and freight moving along Kent’s roads.
I’m pleased the Department for Transport has launched a consultation on implementing the new Operation Brock plans. The new plan will see a moveable concrete barrier put in place on the M20 to allow for a contraflow system and lorry parking if there is disruption at the Channel ports.
Ministers have given assurances that unlike the previous metal barrier – which took a month put in place and remove – the new concrete barrier could be put in place in a matter of hours. This should significantly reduce any disruption caused to motorists using the M20.
In addition to Operation Brock, the Department has confirmed that it has acquired the Mojo site by Junction 10a of the M20, for use as part of a possible traffic management scheme.
I’ve told Ministers that plans for a new lorry park at Ashford must not lead to more lorries using the A251. Local residents fear more HGVs will come thundering along this road to reach the proposed new customs centre at Ashford. I’ve secured a meeting with the Minister responsible to press for a solution.
It’s vital that we keep Kent’s roads moving and avoid encouraging more lorries to use roads that are completely unsuitable for HGVs.
