New Govt sponsored Freight Plan to reduce HGV traffic on M20/A20

140,000 less HGV's on the A20 / M20 per year

The Govt have announced the future direction of travel for freight haulage with a £15 million investment to take HGV's off the A2/M20 corridors and onto the rail network.

Rail Minister, Lord Hendy, said:

" This deal will boost British businesses by delivering a faster and more sustainable way to transport goods"

The government says it would “help to reduce congestion on the roads leading to less pollution, less traffic, and fewer potholes, particularly in the South East at the Dartford Crossing and M20/M2 corridors”

Clearly for many Kent residents any reduction in the number of times Operation Brock is in force will be welcomed. The scheme enables the Govt to take purchase of the Barking Euro Hub meaning frail freight will continue to grow by at least 3% per year up until 2033. Rail freight will be able to travel via the channel tunnel from a variety of European countries including Italy, Germany and France and be less prone to weather disturbance or delay .

Maggie Simpson OBE, Director General of the Rail Freight Group (RFG) said:

"Rail freight has a huge role to play in supporting UK trade and the Channel Tunnel is a vital strategic asset that is presently under utilised"

This Govt policy is welcomed by campaigners seeking to preserve protected national landscapes such as the Kent Downs National Landscape in Dover, and shows the Govt are not only keen in improving trade with Europe, but in providing clean, green and sustainable solutions to freight management logistics.

Minister for Industry, Chris McDonald, said:

This significant investment will strengthen UK supply chains and support jobs across the country by deepening trade links with our closest partner and biggest market in the EU

Oppose the building of the Court wood HGV lorry park in the protected Kent Downs National Landscape. It isn't needed here, the direction of travel for freight is via rail not road, its more sustainable, cost effective and will produce growth and jobs.