Kent Access Permit and Operation Brock wound down
Transport trade groups have responded to the decision by the government last month to end the requirement for a Kent Access Permit (KAP) for hauliers entering the county, as well as the deactivation of Operation Brock contraflow measures on the M20, which has been used to keep traffic moving and roads open.
The KAP, dubbed a ‘Kermit’ in some quarters, had been mandatory as of the beginning of the year for HGVs using the Dover Strait crossings to travel to the EU.
Heidi Skinner, policy manager for the south at Logistics UK, said: “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.”
The Road Haulage Association said that, given that the KAP and Brock emergency measures had come to an end, it was asking hauliers: “to sign a petition calling on officials to withdraw approval for Kent County Council to continue imposing a controversial ban on HGVs parking in the county.
“This is a huge problem for drivers as it effectively forces them to choose between taking legally required breaks and rest or risk a fine of a day’s wage.”
The petition is accessible via the RHA website.
RHA also reminded operators that they would still need to ensure they have the correct paperwork before crossing from Great Britain into the EU, and to check whether a coronavirus test is required and when, depending on the countries being travelled to.
