Better long-term alternative to Operation Brock is “essential”, urges Logistics UK

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

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