Dover TAP (Traffic Assessment Project) was introduced to hold port-bound lorries outside the town on the A20 to prevent queuing in central Dover during busy periods. 

In a typical day the Port of Dover handles over 8,000 lorries and Tuesday’s PCF was reminded of the port’s commitment to effective traffic management on this key transport corridor.

Denise Smith, PCF representative for the East Cliff Residents Association who lives close to the port, told the meeting:

“I think TAP is absolutely wonderful so far. The change in our lives – to be able to get in and out of our properties – has been considerable.

“It’s been a massive surprise to us.”

Letters from the Port of Dover Community Forum and Port Users Group, as well as feedback from the Dover Business Forum suggests there has been growing support for Dover TAP.

After the meeting, Port of Dover chief executive Tim Waggott said: “Since it was introduced as a trial in April, Dover TAP has been a crucial part of freight management. Highways England has been studying its impact and will continue to assess it.

“We hope Dover TAP will become a permanent resource for us to use – and, along with redevelopment works in the Eastern Docks as part of the TMI project to create waiting room for an additional 220 lorries, it will help us further reduce the impact of port operations on our neighbours.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

  • The Port handles 13 million passengers, 2.5 million freight vehicles and £100 billion of UK/European trade.
  • The Port supports 22,000 jobs, many of which are in the local community.
  • It has a shared vision to protect and enhance short and long term port capacity for the nation whilst delivering the catalyst for the regeneration of Dover.
  • Further details on TMI can be found at http://www.doverport.co.uk/about/port-development/    
  • The Port of Dover has worked with key partners to maximise the efficiency and operation of Dover TAP when in place. During the 66 times it has been implemented since April, it has proved to be successful in keeping the town clear of traffic and avoiding the need for Operation Stack due to Port of Dover capacity and uplift issues.
  • For more information on Dover TAP, please visit http://www.doverport.co.uk/about/news/a20-dover-traffic-assessment-information/12981/ or follow @PoD_travelnews on Twitter with the dedicated hashtag #DoverTAP.