The government has struck a deal with a Kent race circuit to use the venue as a holding area for passenger traffic during major disruption at the border.
The move is designed to ease pressure on Kent’s roads during events such as industrial action, bad weather, or large-scale delays at the Port of Dover and Eurotunnel terminals.
In a letter sent to Ashford MP Sojan Joseph, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State Lilian Greenwood confirmed that the Department for Transport (DfT) has signed a contract with the Lydden Hill Race Circuit near Wootton, between Dover and Canterbury.
The deal would allow passenger vehicles to be temporarily held at the circuit in the event of severe congestion – forming part of the Kent and Medway Resilience Forum’s (KMRF) broader traffic management strategy.
Ms Greenwood wrote: “This measure… would seek to relieve pressure on the main arteries of Kent, the M2 and M20, by removing traffic from queuing on the road network.
“The aim of this option would be to both increase passenger safety while ensuring that disruption at the border does not adversely impact residents and businesses of Kent.”
The new arrangement comes amid concerns that the introduction of the EU’s biometric Entry/Exit System (EES) later this year will increase border delays.
Officials say passenger numbers through the Short Straits are continuing to grow, and that further disruption could follow if additional checks create bottlenecks.
Mr Joseph welcomed the move, saying: “I welcome the news that the Department for Transport is actively working to find a long-term alternative to Operation Brock.
“Finding a site to move passenger traffic at times of high disruption caused by large numbers of Channel crossings may help avoid the need to deploy Operation Brock.
“I know the current contraflow system is incredibly disruptive and frustrating for many of my constituents, so I am very pleased the DfT are taking such a positive step by signing this contract.
“I hope we can find a completely workable permanent solution which delivers for the residents of Ashford, Hawkinge, and the surrounding villages.”
The Lydden Hill Race Circuit is well known for hosting rallycross events and track days.
Bosses at the racetrack site have confirmed that the agreement will not impact events at the circuit.
A spokesperson added: “The nature of our circuit business means that there are a significant number of days when the site is unused or only partially used.
“It makes sense to use our facilities as a contingency for border issues if needed.
“Events at the circuit will not be affected.”
The government says the site will function similarly to the existing Sevington Inland Border Facility and Ashford International Truck Stop, which have both previously been used to improve traffic flow during periods of disruption.
The DfT says it is also working to secure an additional site in Kent to further increase capacity.
Lydden Hill Race Circuit has been approached for comment.
