A freight holding facility, capable of accommodating 220 HGVs and removing 4km of queuing traffic from Kent’s highways, has officially opened in the Port of Dover.
The Traffic Management Improvement scheme – part of an £85m capital investment programme – was unveiled today (April 20) as the Port announced it has become the Government’s first maritime partner in the Exporting is GREAT campaign to boost British trade overseas.
The Port’s new holding facility will ensure smoother traffic flows for outbound vehicles carrying British exports through Europe’s busiest ferry port, which last year handled recorded volumes of freight.
Tim Waggott, the Port’s Chief Executive, said:
“The Port of Dover is a crucial link of national and international importance, a conveyor belt carrying goods and supplies between industry and consumers.
“We handle up to £119bn of trade annually and last year saw record freight volumes of 2.53 million units heading through Dover – up nearly five per cent on the previous year’s all-time high.
“However, we are never complacent and are constantly looking at ways to improve our service to UK plc. That’s why we’ve invested millions in removing old buildings and installing new traffic management technology and infrastructure to create even more freight holding capacity. And that’s why we are wholeheartedly supporting the Government’s drive to boost British exports.”
Exporting is GREAT is an initiative launched by the Prime Minister and Chancellor to inspire and support 100,000 additional UK exporters to sell their goods and services overseas by 2020.
Trade and Investment Minister, Lord Price, said:
“The UK is a great trading nation and the Port of Dover’s new facility will provide even more opportunity for British businesses to sell their goods overseas.
“Up to 17 per cent of the UK’s trade passes through the Port, as UK companies explore new markets in Europe.
“It’s great to see partners like this working with the Government – through the Exporting is GREAT campaign – to support our businesses and boost exports.”
