Residents of an estate near Aycliffe in Dover may finally find respite from blaring horns as the A20 is designated a quiet zone between 11:30 am and 7 am the following day. Lorries breaching the order could face fines. The trial strategy will be implemented during the Dover TAP (Traffic Assessment Project), which manages the flow of heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) to the port when congestion arises.
Over the years, frustrated HGV drivers stuck in traffic have caused torment for nearby residents, including sleepless nights due to incessant horn honking. The quiet zone, implemented by National Highways, covers a stretch of nearly a mile from the Court Wood Interchange near Capel-le-Ferne to the Western Heights Roundabout, the only access road to the small community of Aycliffe.
Nicky Potts, National Highways Head of Operational Integration, acknowledged the disturbance caused to Aycliffe residents during periods of disruption at the port. He stated, “Whilst we look at broader solutions, we have agreed we will implement a quiet zone along the A20 leading up to the Port which will run throughout the summer deployment of Operation Brock.
Signs will be erected along the A20 this week to notify drivers of the quiet zone. National Highways plans to inform haulage groups, ferry operators, and the police to ensure compliance and provide additional visibility and enforcement if necessary. HGV drivers who disregard the signage risk a £60 fine.
The introduction of the quiet zone coincides with preparations for anticipated traffic congestion at the Port of Dover as schools break up for the summer holidays. The Operation Brock contraflow system is already in effect on the M20 to manage the increased traffic volume. HGVs bound for the Port of Dover or Eurotunnel must adhere to Operation Brock at M20 Junction 8. Failure to comply may result in a £300 fine, with drivers being directed to the back of the queue by law enforcement or enforcement agents.
National Highways advises travellers planning to use the Eurotunnel or the Port of Dover to plan ahead, check with travel operators, allow extra time for journeys, and be prepared for delays. Delays of up to two-and-a-half hours are expected at the port due to enhanced post-Brexit passport checks by French border officials. The contraflow system is anticipated to be in place for two weeks to accommodate the influx of traffic during the summer break.
The implementation of the quiet zone aims to address the longstanding issue of noise disturbance faced by Aycliffe residents and contribute to a more peaceful living environment. National Highways, as part of the Kent Resilience Forum, continues to collaborate with various organizations to ensure smooth traffic flow and minimize disruption to local residents, businesses, and communities. The forum will periodically assess the necessity of the Operation Brock barrier.
