Portable toilets set to line A20

Portable toilets are to be installed along the M20 and A20 for lorry drivers stuck in long queues caused by predicted Brexit border delays.

The government says it has drawn up “detailed plans” to line the route with loos before December 31 when cross-Channel transport will be hit by uncertainty.

Truckers and fed-up residents have long complained of a lack of roadside facilities, with verges continually being used as a toilet by those who simply have nowhere else to go during holdups and Operation Stack.

As the government bids to get the county ready for the “reasonable worst-case scenario” of having to hold up to 7,000 lorries at a time, it has confirmed portable toilets will be set up.

Speaking at a committee on Brexit preparedness, Parliamentary under-Secretary of State at the Department for Transport, Rachel Maclean MP, said: “We have detailed plans for provision of not only Portaloos but other facilities for drivers - not only in Kent if there is stationary traffic but also in a range of other areas. We really want to minimise the impact on those drivers who are already working really hard. It is absolutely vital we consider the welfare of drivers and hauliers as these are hardworking people. We rely on the haulage industry for a supply of critical goods and we must consider their welfare.”

As well as toilets, the minister revealed temporary outdoor shower and washroom facilities will also be provided.

Dover MP Natalie Elphicke said: “Many local people have been disgusted at the amount of littering and waste that turns up alongside our main roads so I am pleased that the minister has considered that importance of ensuring adequate provision is in place to reduce littering at the side of our roads and provide improved sanitary conditions.”

Among the government’s preparations is the siting of customs clearance facilities to ensure checking of all paperwork and loads before a lorry reaches its port of departure.

A 66-acre site is already under construction in Ashford and another is planned for Whitfield, Dover. The exact location for this has not been revealed but it is close to White Cliffs Business Park on privately-owned land.