The influx of bank holiday traffic is set to put the Traffic Assessment Phase (TAP) on the A20 to the test.

The pilot scheme has seen the introduction of traffic lights on entering Dover.

It has also required vehicles to travel along the A20 from Folkestone to Dover at 40mph under camera surveillance.

Port-bound traffic remains in the left hand lane, and general motorists in the right.

It has so far been dubbed a success, and a meeting at the Port and Community Forum saw its chairman Derek Leach encourage people to write to the Highways Agency in support of it.

Conservative Cllr Nigel Collor, who has been monitoring its progress, said: “Feedback from local businesses and hoteliers groups are very positive and they advise that Dover operates normally as the truck flow is being controlled.

“It is hoped that the system will be permanently adopted after the pilot and this should see the speed limit only in place when needed using overhead electronic signs which will alleviate most of the issues raised by the community.”

The last major bank holiday - Easter weekend - saw more than 250,000 passengers pass through the port.

If HGV lorries stack up this weekend, the traffic lights will be controlled by port workers who will monitor the flow through Dover.

The lights will only be turned green when there is enough space to accommodate the trucks in the Eastern Docks.

MP Charlie Elphicke said: ”Thursday was expected to be the big rush of traffic and the new anti-gridlock system put to the test.

“I am taking a keen interest on how well it does.” - MP Charlie Elphicke

Mr Elphicke agreed that the feedback from residents had so far been positive, but said more is to be done.

“I am taking a keen interest on how well it does.”

“Many people have said it has made a positive difference,” he said.

“Some people think the 40mph limit is too long and that there is not enough enforcement on lorries who break the rules.

“The port needs to make sure that they are enforcing it.”

Those in support of the scheme should email: kevin.bown@highwaysengland.co.uk.