Motorists are being warned to expect hours of delays as traffic chaos hits the county again.
As of 7.30am the Dover Traffic Access Protocol (TAP) scheme on the A20 has been implemented due to high numbers of freight vehicles.
Drivers are being warned to expect hours of delays in Dover and at the Channel Tunnel. Picture by Sam Lennon
The scheme on the A20 at Aycliffe is often brought in when there is a risk of congestion in the town centre because of high volumes of lorries looking to cross the Channel into Europe.
The town has been the scene of traffic chaos in the past few weeks – with a critical incident declared last month.
Drivers are also being told to expect a waiting time of two hours and 30 minutes at the Eurotunnel service at Folkestone because of high demand at check-in and border control.
Read more: Why port delays could get even worse
Dover TAP was first introduced in 2015 as a way of preventing port bound traffic disrupting the local road network.
The scheme is on, a 40mph speed restriction, which applies to all vehicles approaching Dover via the A20, is introduced.
Dover TAP has been introduced this morning
Lorry drivers are asked to remain in the left lane of the A20, from the Roundhill Tunnel, and queue until they reach the port.
It comes after last week holidaymakers and hauliers alike were stuck for hours on roads leading to the Port of Dover and Eurotunnel at Folkestone last week, just a day after schools broke up for the summer break.
Ferries were reporting delays of more than five hours, with the reason for the chaos blamed on under staffing at border control, as well as more checks following Britain’s exit from the EU.
A Eurotunnel spokesman said: “Eurotunnel apologises any additional waiting time customers may experience
“Following overnight works to repair a section of track leading to the maintenance yard on the French terminal, Eurotunnel services are running slightly behind timetable this morning.
“Additional departures are being prepared and normal service will be resumed during the morning.”
Dover Folkestone Kent Traffic and Travel Sean McPolin
