A deal to unblock travel with France following a shutdown over the new coronavirus variant could come later today, sources confirm.
A rapid turnaround lateral flow tests being conducted on drivers with the help of the military.
More than 1,500 hauliers are queuing on the M20 or parked at Kent’s Manston Airport, following France’s decision on Sunday to stop anyone, including accompanied freight, entering from the UK for 48 hours due to a new coronavirus variant.
Long lines of HGVs stretched through the Kent countryside as, despite pleas for drivers to stay away, they waited in hope the border would soon reopen.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps issued another urge for anyone trying to cross the Channel to avoid the area.
Drivers were given bottles of water by the coastguard, while some prepared meals and ate breakfast in their cabs or on the side of the road.
Under the ban, unaccompanied freight – mostly in shipping containers – can continue to travel on trains and boats across the Channel, but any goods being driven will have to stay in Britain.
