Government statement on expected disruption in Kent

Business and Economy, Transport

A Government spokesperson said:

“We are expecting significant disruption in Kent following the announcement by the French Government that, from 23.00 on Sunday 20 December, it will not accept any passengers from the UK for the next 48 hours.

“As a result we are urging everybody – including all hauliers – to avoid travelling to Kent ports until further notice.

“We are working closely with Kent Resilience Forum, Kent Council and Highways England to ensure contingency measures are urgently put in place to manage disruption, and the Prime Minister will chair a COBR meeting tomorrow to discuss the situation.”

Background:

  • While we are expecting especially severe disruption in the Kent area, other ports facing France will also be impacted.
  • As a result, we are immediately asking all hauliers to avoid all roll-on-roll-off routes to France, including Kent ports.
  • Hauliers and their customers should delay shipments or seek other routes – unaccompanied freight to France and roll-on-roll-off services to other EU countries are not affected.
  • We will also work hard to support those businesses impacted.