More than 235,000 hauliers have now been tested for coronavirus.

It means vital goods continue to flow into the UK and HGV traffic in Kent is back to normal levels, says the Department for Transport.

Following the decision by the French government in December demanding hauliers provide evidence of a negative Covid test to cross the border, a number of other European countries want the same.

This could have led to long tailbacks of lorries in Kent and at borders, similar to the pandemonium in Dover in December.

The French then suddenly closed their borders for days to keep out a new strain of Coronavirus.

But the British Government now says it has taken action to keep traffic moving.

NHS Test and Trace staff and Ministry of Defence personnel provided rapid testing around the clock to drivers within their cabs at sites across Kent.

A total 10 mobile units deployed to the region offered testing 24 hours a day over the Christmas period to check as many drivers as possible, and quickly.

The French Government has recently changed the testing arrangements facing hauliers looking to travel from the UK into their country.

It will now accept certificates from Ireland for hauliers using UK ports and those in the UK for less than 48 hours won’t need a test.

But the UK Government says truckers that do need one should get it early in their journey at one of the 37 haulier advice sites set up around the country.

This would ensure that there is no build up in congestion in Kent or other ports.

"It is vital hauliers get a Covid test before travelling to Kent." Transport Minister Rachel Maclean

Transport Minister Rachel Maclean, said: “It’s really encouraging to see traffic continuing to run smoothly through Kent.

"I’d like to thank the haulage industry, the Armed Forces, motorway service stations and the Kent Resilience Forum for working tirelessly with us to ensure the majority of hauliers cross the border without any issues.

“Whilst we are making good progress, it is vital that hauliers keep making use of the various advice sites around the country – where they can get a Covid test before travelling to Kent.”

The Armed Forces played a key role in the testing effort and the has now been handed over to civilians.

Colonel Ian Adkins, Deputy Commander of the Joint Military Command, South East said: “We were pleased to support the Department of Transport and partners in the Kent Resilience Forum with Covid testing of hauliers through the Christmas period and into the New Year.

" The initial backlog of thousands of vehicles was cleared within three days with the focus then switching to maintaining a smooth flow of hauliers through Kent.

"Armed Forces personnel conducted over 128,000 tests and helped to deliver logistic and information support, before handing over to a civilian testing solution.”

Hauliers are also reminded that the Kent Access Permit is only valid for the 24-hour period stated on the permit – they must enter Kent and cross the border in that time or risk delays as they apply for a new permit.

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