Traffic Clampdown Returns to Dover Amid Surge in Port Chaos
Kent has slammed on the brakes with Dover’s Traffic Access Protocol (TAP) back in action, tackling a sharp spike in traffic near the busy Port of Dover. The crackdown kicked in just after 11am on Tuesday, 9th January 2024, hitting drivers on the A20 hard as they approach the town.
Strict 40mph Limit and Lorry Rules Enforced
The Dover TAP slaps a 40mph speed limit on all vehicles – from cars to giant lorries – coming into Dover on the A20. This move aims to stop port-bound traffic snarling up local roads and Dover’s town centre.
Kent County Council tweeted: “The Dover Traffic Access Protocol (TAP) scheme on the A20 at Aycliffe has been implemented due to heavy freight volumes. This is to prevent Portbound traffic from disrupting the local road network and the A20 through Dover town.”
What You Need to Know About Dover TAP
Launched way back in April 2015, Dover TAP is a no-nonsense set of rules designed to shield Dover residents from the knock-on traffic chaos caused by the port’s relentless flow, while also helping clean the air in town.
- Speed limit of 40mph enforced on all vehicles on the A20 heading west into Dover.
- Lorries must stick to the left lane from Roundhill Tunnel right up to the port.
- During rush hours, lorries queued in the left lane may face red lights forcing them to wait until the port can take them.
- Lay-bys might be shut temporarily, along with the coast-bound on-slip at Courtwood junction, when demand spikes.
Penalties and Planning Ahead
Officials warn that if you flout these rules, you could be turned back or even prosecuted. Police and traffic cams are hot on enforcement duty.
With TAP back, motorists are urged to plan ahead and keep up-to-date with any further traffic updates or changes to the scheme.
