24/12/2020
/ Traffic Update 1900hrs
Good Evening
The Situation in Kent is still very difficult, however there starts to be a little movement (although still a long way to go).
Drivers at Manston Airport have started to be COVID tested (Lateral Flow tests, 30 minutes for result), the first vehicles (negative) have been released HOWEVER there are a significant amount of Vehicles still on site (3-4k +) so this will take a long time to process, it has started though. It has also been difficult to access the port because…..
The main access road to the Port in Dover is blocked (it’s completely full), traffic has not been able to manoeuvre and drivers have been protesting about lack of information / testing etc and blocking the entrance. However at around 1530hrs a mobile test unit arrived at the port entrance and testers will be making their way through the drivers so Vehicles can start to make their way to the port and clear the entrance road. This will likely take a significant amount of time but clearing the main road in to the Port is crucial part of moving traffic from elsewhere, so hopefully this will be the first bottle neck released.
There is also Testing being undertaken on different parts of the M20, testers are going from Vehicle to Vehicle (so there is no option to drive towards the testing area, drivers will be approached at some point although how long this will take is very much unknown) and they will be allowed to progress if tests prove negative (there may be a Convoy system to manage traffic movement).
The situation remains fluid but there is some (slow) progress, there is still a risk that it could take days for the backlog to be removed (estimated 8-10k). Currently the closes tomorrow at 2.30pm but there are discussions (but no guarantees) as to whether the Port will open and Ferry operators sail on Christmas day, (this would be a mammoth task in its self). does operate day anyway but on a reduced service – they are trying to up numbers but again this is a very difficult task to achieve (and may not happen).
I think (hope!) by the morning we will see the impact overnight and can gauge what the position is then, will circulate any more information when we have it.
