Traffic management measures in Kent have been removed as trade returns to normal levels.
The Kent Access Permit (KAP) and the M20 moveable barrier were removed on 20 April, the government announced, as delays have been prevented thanks to hauliers arriving at the border prepared.
The news comes as freight volumes between the UK and the EU begin to operate at normal levels, with figures showing a 46 per cent increase in exports in February. KAPs aimed to help avoid delays at the border by ensuring that HGV drivers have the correct paperwork before setting off and allowing them to move quickly through the UK’s ports.
Compliance with the KAP obligation from industry has been consistently high, the government said, tracking at more than 80 per cent since the middle of January for non-GB hauliers, while the latest data shows the average compliance with the KAP obligation is at 86 per cent.
The removal of the KAP on 20 April will mean less paperwork for hauliers and is intended to make it quicker and easier to cross the border. The Kent Resilience Forum has also announced plans to stand down the moveable barrier on 24 April. Specially designed to allow traffic on the M20 to continue in both directions, the barrier and its contraflow system were put in place to keep roads open and traffic moving as hauliers adjusted to the new border requirements.
Hauliers will still have access to support on border requirements at 46 information and advice sites across the UK, with the busiest sites remaining in place until at least August.
Trade body Logistics UK said the developments reflected the hard work of logistics businesses across thesupply chain to ensure operations are border ready before hauliers embark on travel to the Channel ports. It added 'TheCheck an HGV' servicewas an effective tool in guiding businesses to the paperwork needed to cross the border.
Heidi Skinner, policy manager for the south at Logistics UK, said: “Today’s news is positive for the industry and, in conjunction with the deactivation of the M20 Operation Brock contraflow, will support the smooth flow of trade to and from the UK.Logistics UK is now urging government and industry to ensure the entire supply chain is ready for the introduction of further EU-UK border controls from 1 January 2022 to keep trade flowing freely in the months and years to come.”
