Press release

Advice for drivers heading to Dover

Drivers heading to Dover this weekend are being advised to plan their journeys as key routes could be busier than normal.

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French border police at the Port of Dover and Eurotunnel continue to follow French government requirements to deliver heightened security checks to keep the traveling public safe following the recent attacks in France.

Highways England is working hand in hand with Kent Police, Kent County Council and the Port of Dover to help ensure that everything possible is done to help road users.

It is expected that the M20/A20 and M2/A2 approaches could be busy for tourist, freight and local traffic. With the summer holidays in full swing, it is expected that cross-Channel gateways will be busy.

Drivers are advised to:

  • be prepared for any delays on their journeys and allow plenty of time to reach their destination
  • check travel conditions before setting out and, where it is safe to do so, during journeys
  • ensure they and their cars are ready for the journey – especially having plenty of fuel in their vehicle, and food, water and things to do for the people in it
  • if there is congestion on the A20, local traffic is advised to consider other routes such as the B2011, A256 or A258, which may not be suitable for HGVs
  • Port of Dover traffic is advised to use the M20/A20 to access the port and use the A2 when leaving the Port
  • local traffic is advised to consider other routes such as the B2011, A256 or A258, which may not be suitable for HGVs

Drivers heading for the Channel Tunnel are advised to turn up on time for their booked departure. Highways England provides live traffic information via its website, local and national radio travel bulletins, electronic road signs and mobile apps. Local Twitter services are also available at @HighwaysSEAST.

Travel advice for drivers heading to the Port of Dover is also available on Twitter via @PoD_travelnews or from Kent County Council via @KentHighways.

General enquiries

Members of the public should contact the Highways England customer contact centre on 0300 123 5000.

Media enquiries

Journalists should contact the Highways England press office on 0844 693 1448 and use the menu to speak to the most appropriate press officer.

Published 29 July 2016