Port of Dover comments on Government action to alleviate effects of traffic congestion

The Port of Dover has said it welcomes Government action to alleviate the disruption caused to local residents, holidaymakers and freight operators caused by ongoing disruption in Calais and at Eurotunnel, which resulted in the need for Operation Stack to be implemented. Nevertheless, the Port has also cautioned that a heavy goods vehicle holding area at the former Manston Airport site for Port of Dover bound traffic is neither proven to work nor a permanent solution in itself.

Tim Waggott, Chief Executive of the Port of Dover, said: "While it is welcome news that the Government is taking further action to alleviate the significant knock on effects in south east Kent caused by the ongoing problems in Calais and at Eurotunnel, attention should not slip away from finding a solution that provides lasting resilience at this nationally important strategic freight corridor.

"We have some concerns over the practicalities of the solution proposed but remain committed to working with all our partners to maintain traffic fluidity."

The Port of Dover, together with sister ports in France, handles £100 billion of UK/European trade each year and represents a principal trade route between the UK and mainland Europe. The recent disruption to this vital international trade corridor cost the national economy up to £250 million per day in lost trade.

The Port of Dover remains open for business with ferry partners operating full services to Calais and Dunkirk.