DfT creates network of haulier test and advice centres

The Department for Transport has established testing sites around the country for HGV drivers wanting to travel to the continent.

A government network of testing and advice sites provides information for lorry drivers following France's demand that travellers from the UK have a negative COVID test carried out within 72 hours before departure.

The French Government took the emergency action after a new strain of the virus, which is thought to be around 70% more transmissible, was identified in the UK.

Before Christmas, France even imposed a temporary travel ban on passengers and freight handlers, which saw thousands of vehicles parked up on the M20 and Manston Airport.

A mass testing regime swung into action and managed to clear the queues, particularly around the Port of Dover.

We're moving #COVID19 testing for lorry drivers away from ports. There are now 15 [now 46] Information and Advice Sites with testing facilities for HGV, van and light goods vehicle drivers.

I'm expanding this network quickly & more testing sites will be online soon. Current locations ?? pic.twitter.com/G9KdNAuxIO

— Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP (@grantshapps) January 3, 2021

There are now almost 50 HGV advice sites, where drivers can:

• find out about the rules and documents needed to move goods between the UK and EU
• complete a free border readiness check to ensure they have the correct documentation to cross the EU border
• get help using the Check an HGV is ready to cross the border service
• HGV drivers can also use the free live webchat function to complete a border readiness check between 8am and 8pm, 7 days a week.