Natalie Elphicke MP
Commenting on chaotic scenes of holidaymakers and haulage lorries trying to cross the English Channel from Dover at the weekend, Dover’s MP, Natalie Elphicke, has called for fresh investment to make Kent roads and border more resilient.
Sticking plaster solutions don’t work
Natalie Elphicke said: “Last weekend’s entire discreditable episode once again highlights the need to make Kent’s roads as resilient as possible. We cannot continue with sticking plaster solutions that simply don’t work.
“Investing in our border and roads infrastructure isn’t just best for us. It’s best for the UK as a whole.
UK needs up to date border
“That means investment at the border and making our border systems as up to date and effective as possible. I will continue to campaign to secure the investment we need.
“I’ve been campaigning for the much-needed A2 upgrade and lorry parks. I recently hosted a Parliamentary meeting for Kent MPs with the Chair of the Transport Select Committee to examine a new lorry parking and service station proposal that could take thousands of lorries off our roads.
Fragile UK road network
“With the Department for Transport and Port of Dover, I’m looking at different ways to manage check-in facilities and tourist traffic. I’ve held debates in Parliament about our fragile road network, and pressed Ministers about upcoming EU changes in entry-exit requirements. This vital investment in the interests of the whole of the UK as well as the Dover and Kent area.
Consequences too for French and EU
“Right now, we need more negotiating leverage with the French and the EU so that there are consequences to them if they behave in this kind of way, not just misery for us.”