Dover TAP goes multi-lingual

Highways England and the Port of Dover have gone multi-lingual to ensure Europe's lorry drivers comply with a project that reduces freight congestion in the centre of Dover.

The two transport authorities have joined forces to produce a leaflet in 10 languages to explain the traffic management measures on the A20 approach to the town - known as Dover TAP. The guide highlights the new lane configuration, routes into the port, signage and the penalties for failure to follow directions.

Dover TAP, which has been used successfully over 100 times since April 2015, is being refined to ensure freight drivers who do not speak English understand what they need to do when coming to Dover.

Both Highways England and the Port of Dover will now work with ferry companies, police and popular truck stops to distribute the leaflets.

Tim Waggott, the Port of Dover's Chief Executive, said: "Dover TAP balances the needs of our customers and community by efficiently managing traffic flows through the town and into the port.

"However, we're aware the system may still be confusing to some drivers who don't speak the language. That's why Highways England is now producing leaflets in German, French, Polish, Italian and Spanish as well as English to further improve the performance of TAP."

The move comes as the new road layout has been given public backing from the Dover Business Forum.

In a letter to Highways England, Matthew Jaenicke from the forum said Dover TAP was "crucial for Dover".

He added: "We welcome the combined efforts of Highways England and the Port of Dover to develop a transport management system that works for everybody concerned and we are confident that this will be achieved."

He went on to say that, collectively, his members have invested nearly £400m into the district's economy. As a result, the effectiveness of the local road network is fundamental to the efficient running of their businesses, including their employee travel in and out of the district every day.

Highways England Asset Manager for Kent, Kevin Bown, said: "We welcome the positive feedback from the Dover Business Forum on the current assessment on the A20 approach to Dover. We continue to assess the impact of TAP and, subject to the final evidence gathering and funding, we hope to be able to improve the temporary version with a permanent solution that introduces enhancements such as variable speed limits."

The leaflets are available to view or download online at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dover-traffic-assessment-project-tap.