Traffic bound for the Channel ports could soon see a major change in the way it is managed, as reports suggest that “stacking” in fields could be the solution to avoid chaos on Kent’s roads when new EU border checks come into effect.

The Channel ports, which serve as major gateways for trade and travel between the UK and the rest of Europe, have been facing increasing pressure in recent years due to the rise in traffic and the looming uncertainty of Brexit. With the UK set to leave the European Union on October 31st, 2019, there have been growing concerns about the potential impact on the flow of goods and people through these ports.

In order to address these concerns, the UK government has been exploring various options to ensure smooth operations at the Channel ports post-Brexit. One of these options, as reported by several media outlets, is the concept of “stacking”. This involves temporarily parking lorries in designated areas, such as fields, where they can wait until they are called to proceed to the ports for border checks.

At first glance, the idea of stacking may seem like a drastic measure, but it is not a new concept. In fact, it has been successfully implemented in other European countries such as the Netherlands and Belgium. The benefits of stacking are clear – it reduces the number of vehicles on the roads, minimizes the risk of accidents and allows for better management of traffic flow. It also provides a more controlled environment for border checks to take place, ensuring that they are carried out efficiently and effectively.

The potential use of fields for stacking has faced some criticism from local farmers and residents who are concerned about the impact on their land and the surrounding areas. However, the UK government has assured that these areas will be carefully selected and temporary measures will be put in place to minimize any disruption to the community. In fact, the use of fields for stacking could also bring economic benefits to the local area, as it may create new jobs and increase tourism.

One of the main advantages of stacking is that it will help to avoid the chaos that has been experienced on Kent’s roads in the past, particularly during peak travel times. As the ports are currently operating at full capacity, any delays or disruptions can quickly lead to traffic congestion and long queues on the roads. This not only causes frustration for drivers, but also has a negative impact on the local economy and the environment.

With the possibility of new border checks being introduced post-Brexit, the need for an efficient traffic management system has become even more pressing. Stacking provides a practical solution to this issue, ensuring that the ports can continue to operate smoothly and efficiently, even in the face of potential disruptions. It also gives the UK a competitive advantage, as it demonstrates our commitment to finding innovative solutions to challenges that arise from leaving the EU.

Moreover, the use of fields for stacking could also have a positive impact on the environment. By reducing the number of vehicles on the roads, it will help to decrease air pollution and carbon emissions. This aligns with the UK’s commitment to reducing our carbon footprint and tackling climate change.

The potential implementation of stacking in Kent has also received support from the freight industry. The Road Haulage Association, which represents haulage companies, has welcomed the idea as a way to prevent the ports from becoming a bottleneck post-Brexit. This support from industry experts further reinforces the viability and effectiveness of this solution.

In conclusion, the concept of “stacking” in fields to manage traffic bound for the Channel ports is a positive and practical solution to the challenges that may arise post-Brexit. It not only ensures the smooth flow of goods and people, but also has the potential to bring economic benefits and contribute to a cleaner environment. With the support of the government, local communities and industry experts, it is a step in the right direction towards ensuring that the UK’s ports continue to operate efficiently and effectively, even in the face of potential disruptions.