Dover Traffic Assessment Project gets public backing

A traffic management scheme designed to keep Dover clear during peak ferry times has been given public backing at the Port and Community Forum (PCF).

Dover TAP (Traffic Assessment Project) was introduced to hold port-bound lorries outside the town on the A20 to prevent queuing in central Dover during busy periods.

In a typical day the Port of Dover handles over 8,000 lorries and Tuesday's PCF was reminded of the port's commitment to effective traffic management on this key transport corridor.

Denise Smith, PCF representative for the East Cliff Residents Association who lives close to the port, told the meeting: "I think TAP is absolutely wonderful so far. The change in our lives - to be able to get in and out of our properties - has been considerable.

"It's been a massive surprise to us."

Letters from the Port of Dover Community Forum and Port Users Group, as well as feedback from the Dover Business Forum suggests there has been growing support for Dover TAP.

After the meeting, Port of Dover chief executive Tim Waggott said: "Since it was introduced as a trial in April, Dover TAP has been a crucial part of freight management. Highways England has been studying its impact and will continue to assess it.

"We hope Dover TAP will become a permanent resource for us to use - and, along with redevelopment works in the Eastern Docks as part of the TMI project to create waiting room for an additional 220 lorries, it will help us further reduce the impact of port operations on our neighbours."