Fallon “Not Reassured” by Transport Secretary’s M26 Response

Sevenoaks MP Sir Michael Fallon has described the Transport Secretary’s response to his concerns over plans to turn the whole of the M26 into a lorry park in the event of a no deal Brexit as “completely unsatisfactory” and “not reassuring”.

 

Sir Michael met recently both Chris Grayling and the Roads Minister Jesse Norman with the leaders of Sevenoaks District Council and Kent County Council to press for alternative options.   The Department for Transport has apologised for not consulting the local community before closing the M26 overnight.

 

Sir Michael said: “This response is unsatisfactory and does not provide the reassurances the local community needs.  A lorry park, if it is required, should be in the east of Kent, closer to the ports.  I continue to urge the Transport Secretary to reconsider.”

Grayling letter 1Grayling letter 2

Transport Department’s M26 Lorry Park Plan Wholly Unacceptable

Sevenoaks MP Sir Michael Fallon has today expressed his serious concerns about the Government’s plans to turn the M26 into a lorry park in the event of a no deal Brexit.

 

The move would close the motorway from 8pm to 5am every night between 15th and 19th October, and 19th November and 29th March 2019. Ministers failed to consult local councils and MPs.

 

Sir Michael said: “It is wholly unacceptable that residents were not consulted on these proposals, which will have severe pollution and noise consequences for my constituents’ evening travel and access for local businesses. Any lorry parking will cause significant disruption for those in Dunton Green, north Sevenoaks, Otford, Seal and Kemsing. I have urged the Transport Secretary to reconsider these plans and meet me at the earliest opportunity to find an alternative solution.”

 

Letter to Transport Secretary
Letter to Transport Secretary