News

PORT TRAFFIC SET TO DOUBLE 

HGV's on the A20 at Dover

For the first time two million lorries have passed through the Port of Dover in a single year and more records will follow in the decades to come, says Chief Executive Bob Goldfield. 

“We expect a doubling of freight traffic over the next 30 years and that is why we are planning more port capacity and innovative traffic management solutions,â€? he said. 

“The freight traffic boom really is good news for the community of Dover because a vibrant port safeguards and grows employment. Politicians and townsfolk must be positive about this business which is driven by customer demand and we must all work together to minimise the impact.â€? 

The port will consult with the local community on its masterplan early in 2006 which predicts how the port’s business will evolve and what investments will be required to facilitate customer demand. This plan calls for a new Eastern Docks exit road as its first initiative to improve traffic flows. A planning application for the scheme will be submitted in January and the project could be completed by Summer 2007. 

Later in the year a proposal for a freight “buffer zoneâ€? off the A20 between Dover and Folkestone might go ahead if there is enough support. “We see this marshalling area to manage lorry arrival rates at the port as a critical scheme to alleviate peak-time congestion,â€? Mr Goldfield added. 

The 2 millionth lorry through the port was driven by Derek Cavanagh (39) of Kent-based Clan International Transport Services Limited on 19 December. He was presented with a gift by Robin Dodridge, Director of Port Operations, who also unveiled a large poster site proclaiming the record.