From Sunday 21 March 2021, freight travelling to the Port can travel straight down the M20 motorway using a dedicated lane for Dover rather than being redirected to Manston, as the site owned by the Department for Transport prepares to be stood down.
Hauliers travelling to France that have spent less than 48 hours in the UK no longer require a Covid-19 test prior to departure and those that do require a test must therefore ensure they take one before arriving in Kent in order to avoid delays. All hauliers must also take a border readiness check prior to arrival.
Therese West – Moore, Terminal Operations Manager at the Port of Dover said: “The Short Straits provides the most convenient and efficient access to the continent, so we will be really pleased to see the return of direct travel to Dover this weekend as hauliers get back to using the M20 for the quickest route here.
“The Brexit transition period and COVID-19 pandemic have undoubtedly provided us and our partners with challenges to work through to ensure that Dover continues to offer a resilient operation that keeps supply chains moving and supermarket shelves full.
“My thanks go to our partners and customers for working with us to help minimise any disruption and help everyone get on their way as quick as possible. The suspension of the Manston site is a positive step towards a return to normality, but it is vital that hauliers are prepared before arriving here.”