Long delays spark review into East Kent roads

23/01/2015 | HIGHWAYS REPORTERS

The government has ordered an urgent review into the resilience of the road network in East Kent after five-hour delays and long queues on the M20 caused major disruption for motorists this week.

There have been ongoing traffic problems caused as a result of reduced capacity at the Channel Tunnel following a fire on Saturday (17 January). Phase two of Operation Stack, where lorries queue on parts of the M20 to ease congestion leading to the Port of Dover was implemented earlier this week, and is expected to remain in place until tomorrow (Saturday 24 January).

A meeting between East Kent MPs and the Roads Minister, John Hayes, took place yesterday (22 January). Mr Hayes (pictured) told the BBC: "The Kent MPs brought this to my attention and I fully understand the impact on the people of Kent.

"I have asked my officials to think quickly and creatively about ways that police, the Highways Agency and others can work together to tackle this problem."

Yesterday (22 Janaury), the Highways Agency said M20 congestion remained severe with delays of more than three hours on the coastbound carriageway. Road users are being advised to find alternative routes. Other delays have been reported on Eurostar services, Eurotunnel, DFDS Seaways and My Ferry Link.

Whilst praising the efforts of the Port of Dover and the ferry operators in handling a dramatic increase in traffic, the leader of Dover District Council has lamented the lack of resilience to cope with such demand.

Cllr Paul Watkins said: “It is unacceptable that communities in East Kent are expected to bear the burden of what is a national issue. The UK economy relies on Dover and the Channel Tunnel to keep the nation’s trade moving. Yet time after time we are left isolated and cut off by the lack of resilience in the road network and a lack of investment to support the nation’s premier roll-on/roll-off port.

“We’re calling on the government to take action to develop a strategy on cross-Channel freight transport resilience so that the police and highway authorities have the resources to manage the situation more proactively.

“Dover is as important to the national economy as Heathrow Airport. If Dover’s not working, the nation isn’t.”

Cllr Nigel Collor, DDC portfolio holder for access, added: “It’s frustrating that local communities in Dover, Shepway and Ashford are being left to cope with this situation. It is impacting businesses, tourists and local residents alike. We share their frustration and support the widespread calls for a more proactive response from the government. We’re doing as much as we can to alert the police and highways authorities to bottlenecks in the town, but it’s evident that a long-term solution to deal with the issue is needed.”

Highways InProfile

latest magazine issue
Highways jobs

Project Lead - Bridges and Structures WMF3037e

£45,718 to £46,731
We are currently seeking to recruit a Project Lead to join our Bridges and Structures team Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Traffic Management Technician - WMF3040e

£27,711 - £28,624
Are you an organised and motivated individual who wants to make a difference to how our roads are managed? Cumbria / Various
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Traffic Management Officer - WMF2114e

£37,035 - £37,938
Are you an experienced and motivated professional looking to take the next step in your traffic management career? Cumbria / Various
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Senior Transport Planner

£47,532 - £50,574
Royal Greenwich is a borough synonymous with first class modern services Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recruiter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Technician - Highway Inspector

Grade 8 £28,797 - £30,708 per annum (Pay Award Pending)
Within the Highways Maintenance Team we are looking for an enthusiastic, customer focused and experienced person to join the Service Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Project Delivery Senior Team Leader

£74,480 - £85,964
Are you an experienced Chartered Civil Engineer (or equivalent professional qualification) Glasgow City
Recruiter: Transport Scotland

Assistant Traffic Management Technician - WMF2104e

£25,584 - £25,992
Westmorland and Furness Council is seeking an organised and enthusiastic individual to join our South Lakeland team Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Bulky Operative

£25,584.00 - £27,269.00, Grade 5, 37 hours, Permanent.
An opportunity exists in the Council’s Street Scene Services for a Bulky Operative Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recruiter: Wakefield Council

Project Delivery Team Leader

£57,710 - £71,842
Are you an experienced Chartered Civil Engineer (or equivalent professional qualification). Glasgow City
Recruiter: Transport Scotland

Traffic Management Officer - WMF2102e

£37,035 - £37,938
This is a key role supporting the delivery a wide range of traffic and road safety schemes. Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Shared Service Manager (Waste) North Herts Council

£52000 - £61000 per annum
Shared Service Manager (Waste) North Herts CouncilNorth Herts CouncilPermanent, Full Time£52,866 - £61,866 per annum, plus car allowance (pay award pe England, Hertfordshire, Letchworth Garden City
Recruiter: Essex County Council

Traffic Management Officer - WMF2102e

£37,035 - £37,938
This is a key role supporting the delivery a wide range of traffic and road safety schemes. Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Assistant Traffic Management Technician - WMF2104e

£25,584 - £25,992
This is a key support role, helping to deliver a wide range of traffic and road safety schemes across South Lakeland. Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Flood Risk Engineering and Strategy Officer

£49,764 - £55,623
In line with our One Coventry Values, we want to ensure that our communities are represented across our workforce Coventry, West Midlands
Recruiter: Coventry City Council

Senior Integrated Transport Officer

£34,324 - £37,529
Are you an experienced transport planning professional ready to influence strategic policy and drive real change Matlock, Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Roadworker Trainee LGV Driver (3 Posts)

Grade 6 £25,183 - £25,638 per annum (Pay award pending)
We’re looking for Roadworker/trainee LGV drivers to be part of our team undertaking major highway, bridge and related construction and reconstruction Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Engineer

£44,430 - £51,663
This post is within the Highways Design and Delivery Team. London (Greater)
Recruiter: Tower Hamlets London Borough Council

Civil Enforcement Officer - WMF3013e

£27,711 -£28,624
Are you seeking an active and challenging role, part of a friendly and welcoming team? Cumbria / Various
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

UGO Bus Driver

Up to £25081.00 per annum
UGO Bus DriverPermanent, Part TimeUp to £25,081 per annum (full time equivalent)Location
Recruiter: Essex County Council

Head of Highways Operations

Salary
Somerset Council
Recruiter: Somerset Council
SUBSCRIBE NOW

Latest Video

Subscribe to Highways today to ensure you keep your finger on the pulse of everything happening in the UK road network throughout the year.

SUBSCRIBE NOW