A pass scheme has been launched to give priority to local lorries after the Brexit transition.

The Local Hauliers Permits are available for international haulage businesses based in east Kent and Faversham.

These let them get around the local road network to where their businesses are based.

This is for after the end of the transition period on New Year's Eve following Britain leaving the European Union last January.

These permits are part of a set of special regulations to manage Kent’s roads, which required special legislation.

Dover and Deal MP Natalie Elphicke, spoke in the House of Commons recently in support of the special legislation, which has been passed.

Now Kent County Council has officially launched the scheme, with the permits now going out to qualifying local businesses. From next week qualifying companies will start to receive them.

Mrs Elphicke said: “Parliament has moved at pace to get in place the necessary special laws to support our local businesses. The permits will support international freight businesses based in our area, so that they can get about, as part of the Keep Dover Clear proposals for residents and businesses.

“KCC have worked exceptionally hard to get the scheme in place and the first permits out the door ahead of Transition Day.

"This is exactly what is required at this pivotal time for Kent and I welcome this important scheme being up and running."

Cllr Michael Payne, KCC cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “Getting Kent ready for transition traffic in the midst of a pandemic has been a huge project.

"Kent County Council has been undertaking a lot of work in conjunction with the Department of Transport and on behalf of the government.

"Contingency plans are ready to manage severe traffic disruption, should they be required.

" It has been a huge undertaking, and we will continue to adapt and learn over the coming weeks and months to keep Kent moving. I pay tribute to the Kent Highways team, as well as our partners, for their commitment to ensuring that our county is ready with a traffic management plan in place.”

Any qualifying business which has not received its permit by December 14 should contact Sam Yates at Kent County Council on Sam.Yates@kent.gov.uk

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