Hauliers welcome the end of the Kent Access Permit and Operation Brock​

Traffic management measures in Kent have been lifted as trade returns to normal levels, meaning less paperwork for hauliers.

The DfT said the Kent Access Pass (KAP) had been instrumental in avoiding delays at the border, by ensuring that HGV drivers had the correct paperwork before setting off and allowing them to move quickly through the UK’s ports. The latest DfT data shows a 46% increase in exports in February.

Compliance with the KAP obligation from industry has been consistently high, tracking at more than 80% since the middle of January for non-GB hauliers, while the latest data shows the average compliance with the KAP obligation is at 86%.

The moveable barrier on the M20, designed to allow traffic on the M20 to continue in both directions, was also removed on 24 April.

The DfT’s 46 information and advice sites for hauliers will remain open for support and Covid-19 testing. The busiest sites are expected to remain in place until at least August.

Business group, Logistics UK, welcomed the news, with a spokesperson commenting: “The government’s decision to abolish the Kent Access Permit is a reflection of the hard work undertaken by logistics businesses across the supply chain to ensure operations are border ready before hauliers embark on travel to the Channel ports. The Check an HGV service has been an effective tool in guiding businesses to the paperwork needed to cross the border.

“Today’s news is positive for the industry and, in conjunction with the deactivation of the M20 Operation Brock contraflow, will support the smooth flow of trade to and from the UK. Logistics UK is now urging government and industry to ensure the entire supply chain is ready for the introduction of further EU-UK border controls from 1 January 2022 to keep trade flowing freely in the months and years to come.”