Problems with a key post-Brexit IT system for customs checks exacerbate Easter chaos on the roads in Kent like thousands of trucks parked up waiting to cross the English Channel.
23 Mile Coast stretch of the M20 was closed from junction 8 (Maidstone) to junction 11 (Westenhänger). for port of Dover or Eurotunnel as part of Operation Brock causing havoc on surrounding local roads.
The Roundhill A20 tunnel is closed under the Dover TAP scheme to prevent heavy vehicles from jumping over it. queue.
Some Channel Crossing Delays Caused by Suspension of P&O Ferries sets sail after operator fired nearly 800 sailors without notice last month, with DFDS competitor warning it no longer has the ability to accept stuck P&O clients.
However, the Road Freight Association said that HMRC “still has problems”. with This new post-Brexit GVMS system for customs declarations, without which trucks cannot move goods between the UK and the EU.
Without system, drivers lack of necessary scannable barcodes for quick check of trucks in ports including Dover.
A temporary workaround could be in place until Monday, the RHA said.
An HMRC spokesman said: “We have delivered in place unforeseen processes for ensure businesses can store goods and cargo moving while we return to full service.”
Message on HMRC website says: “We conduct thorough research into our systems to address key issues. behind this failure. We will provide more update by noon on Monday, April 11. We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause”.
Operation Brock includes using movable backflow barrier system allowing trucks queue and other traffic to save moving in both directions.
However system was stunned with Kent hit long queues every day since April 1, when the poor weather also transitions are broken.
Port of Dover said in application for servicing 30,000 departing passengers last weekend, which has tripled on in total on the relevant weekend in 2021.
This is added it’s waiting for another busy weekend” because she urged clients not to arrive before their booked departure.
Trevor Bartlett, leader of Dover District Council said the port would be “subjected to severe pressure throughout busy Easter holiday”, warning residents to get ready for “Some kind of violation. again this weekend”.
He said that he hasmade This is clear” Kent Police, Kent County Council and Kent Resilience Forum – partnership of local organizations and agencies – that “we will not tolerate another weekend of Cork in Dover”.
Went adviser from the conservatives. on“For far too long, locals and businesses have had to endure devastation, and frankly, they deserve better.
“We share your concerns about exposure of Cork on local businesses and access to vital health and social care for our most vulnerable residents.
“Many are rightly concerned how emergency services will be able to respond to a major incident when all routes to the city are effectively cut off. off”.
Ashford MP Damian Green called. for changes be made to Operation Brock.
He told KentOnline: “What are we need do brock work. We have established that up so far it is workeven in times of stress because the motorway remains open.
“Once you close the motorway, it makes it impossible, so the Kent Resilience Forum needs to see what changes need happen so Brock can handle with that this is a very unusual situation where more how half of Dover’s cargo capacity disappeared in one time.”
P&O ferries announced on On Wednesday, he is preparing to resume sailing across the English Channel.
The spokesman said: “P&O is looking for forward welcome back vital services, and we expect to have two of our ships are ready to sail on Dover-Calais route next week, subject to regulatory sign-offa exactly Pride of Kent and Spirit of Britannia between Dover and Calais.
