Work starts on GBP 40 million border upgrade at Dover

PortConstruction has started on the Dover Border Access Improvement Scheme, a GBP 40 million project to reconfigure the border control facilities in the Port of Dover's Eastern Docks, BBC reported on 6 November. The scheme will create room inside the port for up to 500 more lorries and more space for border processing booths.

Port chief executive Doug Bannister said the upgrade could mean that the Dover TAP and Operation Brock traffic measures are needed far less often during disruption and peak periods. According to Kent County Council, the scheme is expected to cut how often and how long the two measures are used by up to 80% during normal operations, and to keep more traffic within the port and off the A20, the M20 and surrounding roads.

Bannister acknowledged that local residents are sceptical and said the port needs to show that "this new scheme can make a meaningful difference".

nov 09 2026