New barrier to be installed on M20 in preparation for possible queuing after Brexit

The moveable barrier will replace a fixed structure that had been installed ahead of a possible no-deal Brexit, but was removed in January when a Brexit deal was agreed.

Highways England say the new concrete barrier will be deployed or removed within hours, and will allow lorries to be held on the motorway if there is disruption to ferries crossing the Channel after Brexit.

Have your say
Send your letters for publication to The New European by emailing letters@theneweuropean.co.uk by Tuesday at 9am and pick up an edition each Thursday for more comment and analysis. Find your nearest stockist here, read the newspaper on our app, or subscribe to a print or digital edition for just £13. You can also join our readers' Facebook group to keep the discussion and debate going with thousands of fellow pro-Europeans.

There will be closures next week and in late November, as well as speed reductions on open lanes, to allow for the roadworks.

Nicola Bell, Highways England South East regional director, said: ‘Road closures are always challenging and we recognise the impact this work will have on the region’s businesses and local communities.

‘However, this new solution avoids month long closures to install the steel barrier and by closing the road overnight, we are reducing disruption during busier periods, which is positive for drivers, local businesses and residents.’

In July it was reported the government is planning to build a large ‘lorry park’ near the port of Dover to hold up to 10,000 vehicles waiting to travel to Europe after Brexit.