Dover and Deal MP Natalie Elphicke met with Roads Minister Baroness Vere Friday 21 April 2023.
The MP has been pressing for measures to scrap the TAP system and to Keep Dover Clear from port traffic blocking local roads.
The MP is calling for the TAP system to be back moved away from Aycliffe. She is also seeking improvements to the layout of port roads in order to reduce traffic jams in the town.
Natalie is particularly concerned to see improvements following the tailbacks that occurred recently on the busy Easter getaway. The MP wants to see the local road network made stronger and more resilient – and make sure that the £45million of Government Money awarded to Keep Dover Clear will be spent wisely to improve port infrastructure and local roads alike.
Natalie wants to see the TAP system moved back from Aycliffe altogether. She is pressing for the move back of TAP overnight as a first step. This would take it away from Aycliffe – where residents regularly complain of lorry drivers beeping their horns and running their engines all night long. The MP’s plan would mean the long suffering residents would be able to get a good night’s sleep.
Natalie Elphicke MP said:
“It’s really important to move the TAP system away from Aycliffe altogether. As a first step, it urgently needs to be moved back overnight. Residents deserve a good night’s sleep – so I have been pressing ministers and roads chiefs at National Highways to take my plan forward.“I was delighted to secure £45 million to Keep Dover Clear. Now we need to make sure it is spent properly – to improve port infrastructure and local roads alike. We need to make sure our Road system is fit for purpose and can handle the busy Easter and Summer getaway periods.”
Baroness Vere, Transport Minister said:
“Natalie Elphicke is relentless in speaking up for the residents of Dover and Aycliffe about the need for reducing the use of Dover TAP and keeping Dover clear from traffic congestion. I’m continuing to do all I can as the Minister to press the Port of Dover, Kent Resilience Forum and National Highways to continue making improvements for all of Dover’s residents and am working closely with Natalie on that.”