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Dover TAP implemented causing gridlock

Dover is completely in gridlock today as the first phase of Operation Brock is implemented.

The Dover Traffic Assessment Project (Dover TAP) restricts the movement of goods vehicles entering the town, limiting them to the use of one lane.

An immense number of HGVs are currently trying to make it to France. Picture: David Joseph Wright
An immense number of HGVs are currently trying to make it to France. Picture: David Joseph Wright

Currently only lorries can use lane one heading towards the port.

Furthermore all road users must adhere to a 40mph speed restriction if approaching the port and town.

The Port of Dover has confirmed that the implementation of Dover TAP is due to an earlier accident between a lorry and van on the A20, which caused heavy traffic at every access road into the town.

One lane of the A2 Jubilee Way is at a standstill as trucks wait to cross The Channel. Picture: David Joseph Wright
One lane of the A2 Jubilee Way is at a standstill as trucks wait to cross The Channel. Picture: David Joseph Wright

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.

Then Manston would be used as a 3,000-space lorry park, followed by a TAP system on the A256 with rules equal to those of the Dover TAP.

The A256 York Street also has a procession of lorries present. Picture: David Joseph Wright
The A256 York Street also has a procession of lorries present. Picture: David Joseph Wright

If no room is available for HGVs to enter the Channel Tunnel, the whole M26 will be closed until space becomes available on the M20.

Last used in December , the Dover TAP will run until the number of HGVs in the county is deemed sustainable.

Non-freight traffic has spilt onto smaller roads, such as Castle Street. Picture: David Joseph Wright
Non-freight traffic has spilt onto smaller roads, such as Castle Street. Picture: David Joseph Wright

A high number of lorries are currently being seen on the A20 coastbound between B2011 (Court Wood Interchange, Capel Le Ferne) and Dover (Western Heights roundabout, Dover).

Queues are also being experienced on the A2 Jubilee Way's Dover-bound carriageway, with a travel time of 30 minutes from Whitfield's White Cliffs Business Park.

More information as we get it.

Read more: All the latest news from Dover

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