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Dover TAP implemented on A20 at Aycliffe and delays on M20 as lorries head for Eurotunnel and Port of Dover

Queues are building as a large number of lorries head for Kent's ports for the fourth time in two weeks.

Dover TAP, short for Traffic Access Protocol, has been implemented on the coastbound A20 at Aycliffe due to high volumes of freight heading towards the port.

The Dover Traffic Access Protocol (TAP) scheme on the A20 at Aycliffe has been implemented due to heavy freight volumes
The Dover Traffic Access Protocol (TAP) scheme on the A20 at Aycliffe has been implemented due to heavy freight volumes

Kent County Council highways announced at 6.30am: "The Dover TAP scheme has been put in place to prevent portbound traffic from disrupting the local road network and the A20 through Dover town."

It means a 40mph speed restriction will apply to all vehicles approaching Dover from the west via the A20.

When traffic reaches high volumes vehicles will be held at temporary traffic lights until space becomes available.

In addition lay-bys in the area will be closed, as will be the coastbound on slip at the Courtwood junction on occasion.

There are also currently delays on the M20 coastbound between junctions 11 and 11a due to high volumes of freight traffic heading towards Eurotunnel.

It is the fourth time in two weeks such queues have mounted, with the other incidents due to Brexit preparations.

The slip-road onto the M20 coastbound from the A20 at Junction 11 has been closed due to the queue of lorries to Eurotunnel.

Lorries have been queuing throughout the day to access the Eurotunnel
Lorries have been queuing throughout the day to access the Eurotunnel

The A20 Roundhill Tunnel's coastbound side has been fully closed as of about 6pm due to traffic management from M20 J13 (Folkestone) to A260 Canterbury Road.

Dover TAP is the first of five stages comprising Operation Brock, designed to maintain traffic flow in the county during busy freight periods.

In the full Operation Brock, Dover TAP will be succeeded by the M20 J8-9 contraflow system - in which lorries would use the eastbound carriageway as a holding station.

From four days from Friday the M20 will shut to allow for Operation Brock preparation works.

Avoid getting stuck on Kent's roads by keeping up-to-date on all of the latest traffic and travel news here or by following our live blog.

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