Image: Reuters

A convoy of lorries has taken part in the first of two test runs aimed at tackling post-Brexit traffic queues.

The group of 89 HGVs set off on Monday (7th January) morning at 08:00 GMT from the disused Manston Airport, near Ramsgate in Kent, on a 20-mile route to the Port of Dover.

At Dover, lorries were directed to the Eastern Docks roundabout where they did a loop and drove back to the airfield.

Hauliers fear a no-deal Brexit will create additional border checks, leading to queues of up to 29 miles.

The Government said it had to "prepare for all eventualities, including a possible no deal".

Up to 150 lorries had been expected to take part in the trial to test out the airport site as a mass HGV holding bay.

The trial, called Operation Brock, is testing how the A256 copes with increased lorry traffic.

The first practice run began in rush-hour shortly after 08:00, with four convoys leaving at intervals between 08:13 and 08:39.

The first of the convoys arrived in Dover at 08:52, and a second practice run is due to take place from 11:00.

Operation Brock is intended to maintain traffic flow on the M20 and prevent the kind of disruption experienced in 2015, when parts of the motorway were closed to cars for several days.

The trial has been organised alongside the Road Haulage Association (RHA) and the Freight Transport Association.

source: BBC News