Army Joins Drive as 10 New HGV Covid Testing Centres Open Nationwide
Hauliers heading for Dover and Eurotunnel can now zoom past queues—if they get tested for Covid before hitting Kent. The Government has launched 10 new testing hubs across the UK, with 10 more opening tomorrow and more lined up this week.
Fast-Track Channel Access With Pre-Departure Testing
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps revealed plans for rapid testing to clear the backlog caused by French border restrictions. He said: “If we are to keep traffic flowing in Kent, it is essential drivers are tested before they travel down to the area and that they have a Kent Access Permit before heading to the border.”
The new centres will operate at service stations and other locations, with military personnel on hand at 10 sites to deliver fast Covid tests with results in under an hour. Tests must be negative within 72 hours of arriving in Kent to get green-lighted for crossing the Channel.
Free Testing Kits and Help to Set Up Depot Centres
Haulage firms can set up their own testing centres at depots with Government support, including free testing kits supplied by the Department of Health and Social Care. This move aims to slash queues and delays by letting drivers test “Covid ready” before they even leave.
Armed Forces Keep Britain’s Wheels Turning
Minister for the Armed Forces James Heappey praised military efforts:
“The Armed Forces are once again demonstrating their flexibility, redeploying to new testing sites to ensure quicker access and minimal disruption on the approaches to Dover and the Eurotunnel.”
Since the French restrictions, over 25,500 lorries have cleared the Channel, with military and civilian teams working around the clock to ease haulier headaches and keep goods moving.
Drivers: Check Your Paperwork!
- Ensure you have a valid Kent Access Permit before arriving in Kent.
- Have all necessary documentation ready for border checks.
- Use one of the new testing centres or arrange depot testing before travel.
Failing to get tested or lacking the right papers risks long delays, so hauliers are urged to act fast to keep Britain’s supply chains rolling.
