Michael Gove Confirms New Brexit Border for Lorries Entering Kent
Get ready, lorry drivers! Michael Gove has announced a brand-new Brexit border for trucks entering Kent from 1 January. The Cabinet Office minister revealed that all lorry drivers heading to the EU via Kent will need a Kent Access Permit (KAP), enforced by police and high-tech ANPR cameras.
Lorries Must Get Kent Access Permit Before Arrival
Whether British or foreign, drivers coming from depots—like those in the Midlands—must secure their KAP before reaching Kent if they plan to catch a ferry or Eurotunnel train. Gove told the Commons the process will be “relatively simple” but warned those without permits risk being stopped.
“If they don’t have the material required, then it will be the case that through policing, ANPR cameras and other means, we will do our very best to ensure that … constituents are not inconvenienced.” – Michael Gove
Transport Bosses Slam Government’s Plans as a ‘Waste of Time’
But not everyone’s impressed. The Road Haulage Association called their recent meeting with Gove a “waste of time”. Hauliers warn the plans are riddled with problems. Questions swirl about who will issue the new permits and how delays will be handled.
Labour MP Angela Eagle fired tough questions at the Government, asking:
“Who’s going to be patrolling the Kent borders to make sure that no lorry goes into Kent if it hasn’t got that passport? Where are the border posts for going into Kent going to be? It’s all very well saying we are going to need it, but are we going to have Kent border police or border guards?”
The Government has yet to answer. Rumours that Gove tried to sweep the issue under the carpet? Totally false.
Chaos Looms for January 2021
With just weeks to go, hauliers brace for chaos. The new KAP system is untested and carries big risks of delays and disruption at Kent’s critical cross-channel ports. Drivers and companies alike want answers — and fast.
