Permanent solution to Operation Brock is long overdue

But, according to Logistics UK, the contraflow system epitomises the piecemeal and short-term approach policy makers take to the UK’s ageing infrastructure and, as Head of Trade Policy James Mills explains, a permanent solution is long overdue.

“It is deeply frustrating to the dedicated logistics staff that keep the UK trading that the best solution to predictable seasonal peaks at the Short Straits crossing remains to turn the M20 into a lorry park and force drivers to wait on the hard shoulder, sometimes for days at a time.

“Over half of all goods traded between Great Britain and mainland Europe travel across the Short Straits crossings between England and France, and up to 16,000 freight vehicles travel through the Port of Dover and Eurotunnel every day. This shows how critical the crossings are to the UK economy.

“HGV drivers heading to the ports, along with passengers and Kent residents, deserve a permanent solution to the unavoidable congestion that occurs at the border to keep trade moving while minimising delays and congestion. Operation Brock is an inefficient and expensive workaround for an issue that our sector has been raising with government for years, with over £3 million of public money spent last year alone deploying the scheme.

“Delays at the border don’t just impact drivers, but they can add cost and uncertainty into supply chains, ultimately pushing up prices for businesses and consumers.

“As the delays that occur every bank holiday show, a permanent solution at the border is long overdue, one that is befitting of the strategic importance of the Short Straits crossings to the UK’s economy, and where HGV drivers can wait with access to proper toilet facilities, hot food and somewhere to rest – something every other worker in the country takes for granted.”