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Advanced lorry check-in would not relieve gridlock in Dover that leads to operation stack,

Readers are not convinced about our MP’s advanced check-in scheme to reduce traffic gridlock in Dover, a poll has confirmed.

Last Wednesday MP Charlie Elphicke led a Parliamentary debate about traffic in Kent and urged the Government to prioritise Dover’s congestion woes.

One of his proposed remedies is introducing earlier check-ins for Port of Dover traffic at lorry parks off the A2/M2.

Traffic at a standstill in Dover
Traffic at a standstill in Dover

However, our online poll Click here to vote has revealed the majority of readers (60%) don’t think it would solve the problem.

Would advanced check-in solve Dover's grid lock?*

No: 60%*

Yes: 24%*

Not sure: 16%*

We asked the question, Would early port check-in on the M20 solve Dover’s congestion battle? Just 24% voted yes and 16% said they don’t know.

Mr Elphicke said: “I wouldn’t disagree with what they’re saying.”

But he said his vision is part of a combined push to find a long-term solution.

The rest of his strategy is to make the A20 a clearway, where lorries are prohibited from parking in queues during busy periods. They will have to go to designated lorry parks instead.

The third element of his plan is forcing ferry companies to update their “antiquated” check-in systems, which he claims frequently fail –a major contributor of Dover’s gridlock.

Deal and Dover MP Charlie Elphicke.
Deal and Dover MP Charlie Elphicke.

He added: “The debate was a really positive step forward. The minister is supportive of the idea of advance check-in lorry parks and also supportive of making the A20 of Dover a clearway.”

The MP has also made the case to ministers that the exit checks that are due to be made on passengers leaving England should be delayed until the port and ferry companies have “got their act together”.

Instead of being introduced in April, he wants them delayed a month.

* Figures correct on Tuesday

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