Manston HGV Services Suspended: Kent’s Roads Take a Big Step Back to Normal
Good news for Kent drivers – the long-running chaos tied to EU-bound lorries could be easing. From Sunday 21 March 2021, the government is suspending Covid testing and customs checks at the former 123. Those arriving without tests will be sent to a single testing centre at Sevington near Ashford. The Manston facility will remain on standby and can be reactivated quickly if needed.
Officials React: Step Towards Normality
Assistant Chief Constable Claire Nix, Chair of the Kent Resilience Forum, said: “Thanks to the hard work of all partners and EU-bound motorists following the rules, Kent’s roads have stayed clear since the EU transition ended.”
“Suspending services at Manston is a big step towards business as usual, allowing lorries to use a direct route on the M20 and access full services at Sevington.”
“But Manston is always ready to be brought back if the situation demands it, as we saw last December when the French border closed.”
“The recent UK-France agreement — where hauliers in France for less than 48 hours no longer need negative Covid tests — helped bring about this change. We’ll continue monitoring freight traffic and will keep Kent moving while aiming to minimise local disruption.”
Transport Minister Rachel Maclean added: “The haulage industry and partners have kept traffic flowing smoothly through Kent, which is fantastic.”
“Fewer hauliers now need testing thanks to changes in French rules, so we’re scaling back outbound testing in Kent to ease disruption for residents.”
“Manston remains ready to reopen quickly but local communities can welcome another step towards normality on Kent’s roads.”
Kent County Council’s Senior Highway Manager Toby Howe said: “Our months of preparation have paid off. Manston was a swift, effective testing site during peak disruption, while Sevington handled Eurotunnel traffic.”
“Now that testing requirements are easing, we’re bringing Dover-bound lorries back onto the M20 route via Sevington, the intended customs hub.”
“With customs staff moving to Sevington soon, this will be a major boost for Kent’s Brexit traffic plan and we’ll keep working to reduce any local traffic issues.”
Highways England regional director Nicola Bell warned: “From 21 March, all Port of Dover freight will use Operation Brock on the M20. While this is a positive development, caution remains essential as we edge back to normal.”
What This Means for Drivers and Locals
- Manston testing and holding site suspended but on standby.
- All EU-bound HGVs to use M20 Operation Brock system.
- Covid testing relocated to Sevington for all freight drivers without prior tests.
- Enforcement action against lorries diverting from Brock routes.
- Authorities continue monitoring traffic to minimise disruption.
Kent’s roads could finally be easing out of Brexit-related gridlock, but with Covid checks still in play and services on standby, drivers and locals alike should stay alert over the coming weeks.
