A ‘suite of contingency options’ needed to keep county moving
Helen Grant has joined other MPs to discuss how to keep Kent moving after Brexit.
The Maidstone and The Weald MP joined her Kent colleagues in a meeting with roads minister Jesse Norman last week.
Plans to use the M26 as a lorry park as well as expanding spaces at Manston Airport were also discussed.
There were also talks about increasing the use of ports at Sheerness and Ramsgate.
Another meeting is expected to take place at the start of 2019.
Ms Grant said: “It is clear that we have to be prepared for the prospect of a delay at the border.
“This is not just about whether, as I hope will be the case, we secure a Brexit deal which ensures smooth customs borders with the EU, but also about the prospect of disruption caused by unexpected events in Calais, as was the case in 2015.
“In the event of further disruption at the border, we will need a suite of contingency options at our finger tips to keep Kent moving and I am pleased that the Government are willing to consider all available practical solutions.
“This is not only in the interests of businesses up and down and the UK but also, more importantly, will allow the people of Kent to go about their daily lives as normal.”
Kent MPs said they were unaware of plans to use the M26 for lorries which were revealed by Highways England in October.
The proposal, which had been kept secret, involved closing the motorway for up to a month in the event of a ‘no-deal’ Brexit. Preparation work has already started.