Eurotunnel will be able to take 300 vehicles an hour through its terminal in Folkestone after launching a new check-in for trucks and addings five access lanes.

The expansion, part of its Terminal 2015 project, has seen the Channel Tunnel operator buy three new freight shuttles as it aims to increase flow rates.

The five new access lanes will speed traffic off the M20 at junction 11A and lead to improved motoring conditions for local communities.

The new check-in facility will allow Eurotunnel to process enough trucks to fill a shuttle departure every seven and a half minutes.

Chairman and chief executive Jacques Gounon said: “The UK economy continues to grow and trade with Europe is a huge part of that.

“This new access and check-in facility for trucks will ensure that Eurotunnel is in good shape to carry the commercial loads that the UK economy generates and will help keep traffic flowing in Kent.”