Sussex's Emergency Planners Predict Low Risk Of Lorry Congestion At Newhaven, Shoreham

Wednesday, 23 December 2020 11:13

By John Warburton @Warblefly

Ports Statement: Sussex Resilience Forum

It's being claimed that a collection of preparatory measures will keep Sussex's roads near its English Channel ports clear.

The prediction, by the Sussex Resilience Forum (SRF), is intended to apply no matter what agreements or restrictions Britain experiences next week at the end of the Brexit withdrawal period.

The group (see information box at the foot of this page) had previously declared the Covid-19 outbreak a "major incident" on March 20 this year.

A spokesperson said:

"At present, neither the Department for Transport nor the SRF (based on the Department for Transport assessment) expect significant extra lorries to move into Sussex as a result of traffic build-up in Kent or customs delays at other ports."

Answering a question about truck drivers choosing to divert from Dover to Newhaven, if the larger port became congested, the group replied:

"The operators of Newhaven Ferry Port are in regular contact with hauliers to remind them that HGVs can only board with a valid ticket, so there would be no advantage for lorry drivers to move to Newhaven from Dover, Portsmouth or other SE ports.

"Most traffic through Newhaven port consists of regular freight customers who will be familiar with its operation and with the new customs requirements that come into force from 1 January.

"The UK government has also purchased additional ferry capacity at Newhaven so that there can be extra daily sailings if required."

Its statement on the Port of Shoreham reflected a difference in the kind of traffic it carries.

The Sussex Resilience Forum said:

"Shoreham port is used by bulk shipping carriers and cannot transport container traffic of the type that moves through Dover.

"However, Shoreham has contingency plans to manage any extra lorry movements to and from the site and limit any impact on local roads.

"Although the risk of traffic congestion in Sussex is considered low, SRF partners continue to monitor the situation and maintain contingency plans to ensure traffic on Sussex roads will continue to move freely. "

The statement came from the group that describes itself as a partnership including all emergency services, local authorities and other agencies from across Sussex that work together to make the area a safer place.

It includes senior staff from the emergency services, NHS trusts and similar groups, local authorities, government agencies and departments, and the voluntary sector.

It was established under the remit of the Civil Contingency Act 2004.