🕒 Article read time: 2 minutes
Better long-term alternative to Operation Brock is “essential”, urges Logistics UK
Operation Brock – a contraflow system designed to keep traffic in Kent moving when there is disruption to travel across the English Channel –has been deployed once again this weekend ahead of increased levels of holiday traffic heading towards the Short Straits.
Delays for freight traffic are reportedly “very likely” and the DfT is advising that operators change their travel plans if possible.
The Short Straits accounts for 90% of all accompanied freight entering the UK, so ensuring the ongoing movement of freight traffic through the Port of Dover is a key priority for the country. However, given the cost and disruption to vehicles each time this temporary traffic management is implemented, Logistics UK is now calling for a longer-term solution.
“While we are encouraged that consideration is being given to the flow of traffic during peak periods,” says Nichola Mallon, Head of Trade and Devolved Policy at Logistics UK, “Operation Brock is only a temporary fix and does not provide adequate rest and hygiene facilities for professional drivers or those travelling to the continent. Logistics UK urges drivers to plan ahead, follow the latest advice from Le Shuttle and the Port of Dover, and ensure they are equipped with sufficient supplies of food and water.”
As Ms Mallon continues, it’s these kind of measures that really emphasise how much of a short-term solution Operation Brock is and how much change needs to be made.
“A large part of the solution here is infrastructure,” she adds. “Road and rail improvements are crucial to help ease congestion heading from the Short Straits and government must act to reduce the economic harms caused by issues on critical parts of the network.”
Leaving the EU has further muddied the waters with significant new changes to border controls also due to be implemented from October.
“Brexit introduced new essential individual passport controls,” says Mallon. “Both Dover and Le Shuttle are doing what they can to keep journey times to a minimum, but very high passenger volumes, new checks and site constraints have created friction: this is before the introduction of the new Border Target Operating Model from October this year and the EU Entry and Exit Scheme next year. The government needs to be engaging with the EU to ensure opportunities for digitalisation are maximised so that, as much as possible, checks can be completed upstream and away from the border, thereby reducing the knock-on disruption and delays for freight traffic.”
“On the movement of goods, it’s very concerning that the government has yet to set out a workable model for the Short Straits under its new Border Target Operating Model,” continues Mallon, “which will introduce new controls on imports from October this year. Serious questions remain as to whether the Short Straits will be treated as a single point of entry, what charges the government might apply and whether drivers selected for any checks will have the flexibility to stop at either the Border Control Post on the M20 (Sevington) or the A2 (Bastion Point) depending on their route and destination.
“As the UK’s arterial supply chain for imported food,” Mallon concludes, “it’s essential that government acts now to ensure the smooth and efficient functioning of the Short Straits. Our members need time to plan and implement new processes, particularly as we move into the Christmas peak and Logistics UK continues to urge government to listen and act on members' concerns.”
*www.logistics.org.uk/campaigns
Published On: 27/07/2023 15:00:00
Comments Section
If you are a Logistics UK member login to add comments.
In brief
Transport Committee publishes report on the Department for Transport’s (DfT) strategic road investment portfolios
Jonathan Walker, Head of Cities and Infrastructure Policy at Logistics UK, gave evidence to the Committee, following consultation with Logistics UK members.
Walker comments: “The Transport Committee listened to the concerns expressed by Logistics UK and its members on the importance of road condition and the need for maintenance to be prioritised. The road network must support reliable, safe, and efficient travel; this is essential to ensure goods can continue moving smoothly across the UK.
“Alongside vital maintenance projects, we must also see the delivery of long-awaited road enhancements, including the A303, A66 Northern Trans-Pennine and the Lower Thames Crossing, that are of critical importance to ensuring an effective logistics network.”
The full report is available to view here.
Latest articles
Ask the MAC
With Percy Thrower, Manager - Dangerous Goods Information, Logistics UK
Read time: 2 minutes
View article
Drink and drugs fact sheet
With the festive season in full swing, many employees will be focusing on the party spirits and joy that the season brings.
Read time: 2 minutes
View article
Legislation update
Consultations which opened in November 2024
Read time: 2 minutes
View article