The decision by the Kent Resilience Forum (KRF), made up of a group of organisations and agencies including Kent County Council and Kent Police in conjunction with National Highways – has been driven by significantly increased cross channel bookings for tourist traffic as well as hauliers heading back to the continent in time for the festive break.
The decision by the Kent Resilience Forum (KRF), made up of a group of organisations and agencies including Kent County Council and Kent Police in conjunction with National Highways – has been driven by significantly increased cross channel bookings for tourist traffic as well as hauliers heading back to the continent in time for the festive break.
The decision by the Kent Resilience Forum (KRF), made up of a group of organisations and agencies including Kent County Council and Kent Police in conjunction with National Highways – has been driven by significantly increased cross channel bookings for tourist traffic as well as hauliers heading back to the continent in time for the festive break.
KRF Strategic Lead, Simon Jones, said:
"The indications from Eurotunnel and the Port of Dover are that the next couple of weeks will see some busy peak periods, so KRF needed to act on the prospect of increased traffic during the winter getaway as the schools break up, coupled with the potential for bad weather causing delays. We do appreciate people’s patience while Operation Brock is in place, which is how we currently try to minimise disruption. It is so important to do everything we can to keep key routes through Kent moving, especially as Kent is host to some fantastic festive events and is home to a multitude of shopping opportunities. We want to ensure that everyone is able to get to where they want to go safely and as quickly as possible and to enjoy the festive period."
Visit Kent Chief Executive Officer, Deirdre Wells OBE, commented:
"Kent has a full, vibrant line up of festive events going on across December. From illuminated light trails at Leeds Castle and Bedgebury Pinetum to the first-of-its-kind Mission Christmas at the Historic Dockyard Chatham and free Christmas films on the big screen at Folkestone Harbour Arm, there is a wealth of events to keep people travelling around the county. It is essential that we do everything possible to minimise the delays on the roads so people can finally enjoy a lively Christmas period within the county."
Essential winter driving advice for motorists
- Stick to the main roads when you can and only travel if absolutely necessary
- Slow down – it can take 10 times longer to stop in icy conditions (you might need 10 times the normal gap to the car in front)
- Use a higher gear as it will help avoid wheel spin
- Accelerate gently using lower revs. You may need to initially move in second gear to avoid skidding.
- Try not to brake suddenly – it may lock up the wheels and increase the skid risk
- Be particularly cautious at junctions where road markings may not be visible
- Look out for the gritters and only overtake if it is safe to do so.
For more information, go online:
- A good place to start is KCC’s Check Before You Travel page.
- National Highways has a travelling in severe weather guide and travel updates. You can also follow them on Twitter @highwaysseast .
- You can get weather forecasts, warnings and information from the Met Office.
ENDS.
