A report by Kent Police shows that the majority of EU-bound truckers are complying with the new requirements to have a Kent Access Permit (KAP) and a negative covid test. However, over 400 drivers have now been fined for not being in possession of a KAP.
Kent Police say 407 enforcement notices have been issued by traffic and vehicle examiners from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) to drivers identified as entering the county without a permit.
Last week, it was reported that 84 drivers had been fined, so the number of fines has increased significantly since then.
A further 152 drivers were also found to have breached traffic regulation orders. This includes attempts to bypass Operation Brock queue by accessing the M20 contraflow or using the A20 as an illegal shortcut. A number of other drivers were also stopped for exceeding their permitted drivers’ hours.
According to the rules on the Kent Access Permit, lorry drivers can be fined 300 pounds for not being in possession of a KAP when they enter Kent. You can find out more on the permit and how to get one here.
Commenting on the figures, assistant Chief Constable Claire Nix says it is vital that drivers comply with the rules as traffic volumes inevitably increase:
Whilst the majority of HGV drivers travelling to Europe via the Port of Dover or Eurotunnel are entering the county with a valid Kent Access Permit in place, there are still too many who we are having to stop, fine and turn back to their point of origin. If this trend continues then it could potentially lead to traffic disruption here in Kent, where the volume of freight is expected to increase significantly over the next few weeks. It remains very important that companies exporting goods via Kent ports know exactly what is required of their drivers before they start their journeys, which also currently includes a negative Covid-19 test result received within 72 hours of their planned departure to France. This test should be taken outside of Kent at one of the more than 30 haulier advice sites located around the country that offer them, where drivers can also receive free border-readiness checks. Those who obtain a valid Kent Access Permit and a negative Covid-19 test result before entering Kent will be fast-tracked past any queues to the ports.
Photo credit: Kent Police