Traffic lights will be placed on the A20 entrance into Dover to ensure a better traffic flow through the town.

They will be installed prior to the Western Heights roundabout to hold vehicles until there is space within the port to accommodate them.

Port bound HGVs will only use this route unless they have special permission to do otherwise.

This will be reinforced by the port who can monitor them via technology.

Highways Agency (HA) asset manager Kevin Bown said: “Dover is an international transport gateway, and the Highways Agency is absolutely committed to playing its part in continuing to enable traffic to flow efficiently to and from the port.

“That’s why we are working hard with the port and DDC to help make sure that traffic arriving at the port is optimised, while at the same time protecting local roads in and around Dover town centre form unnecessary congestion and pollution.

'The changes being introduced will give us data to assess options to achieve better traffic flows.' - Highways Agency, Kevin Brown.

“The changes being introduced will give us data to assess options to achieve better traffic flows.

“We will take forward the options, together with our partners, and aim to have real benefits for people living and working in Dover.”

The Highways Agency, has worked with the Port of Dover, Kent County Council, Dover District Council, Kent Police and hauliers groups.

Chief executive at the port, Tim Waggott said: “The Port has been playing its part in developing plans to keep Dover, the Port and the UK economy moving.

“Together we hope to find a solution to address the impact that the growing economy is having on increasing traffic through Dover.

“Through such excellent partnership working, as demonstrated at a recent meeting of the Port and Community Forum attended by all the key players, we are going to make a difference and I look forward to seeing the effects of these new traffic arrangements in the coming months.”

The system will be installed by HA and will be in place early in April.

It will be operated by the Port of Dover at times of high demand.

Traffic will be separated on the approach to the traffic lights, with freight using the left hand lane and all other traffic in the right hand side lane.

To maintain safety while the authorities collect the data on the coastbound A20:

• A reduced speed limit will be applied
• An HGV overtaking ban will be in place
• Two lay-bys will be closed
• It will be monitored by cameras