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  Now that Highways England public consultation period has ended I trust they will take great heed of the problems endured for too long by Dover people in relation to any decision on "Managing Freight Through Kent". It is a great shame the consultation on the proposed new Thames Crossing point (the 'Gravesend option') opened just as the former closed, affording no opportunity for comment that was likely to affect the 'Stanford' off road hgv parking proposals as well as the TAP system controlling freight entering Dover on the A20.
  
  With the proposed new Crossing east of the current Dartford ones any link to the M2/A2 would see the management of port bound freight traffic split between the two motorway networks. The potential for holding freight traffic on the A2, in a similar manner to that proposed at or around Stanford on the M20, must surely now have added weight to Highways England's proposals for the control of freight vehicle from the time they enter the County.
  
  There are numerous other factors that complicate the issue especially for the Dover and District communities. Examples are (but by no means limited to) -
  - the return of the two ferries currently under refit/trial on the Dover - Calais route;
  - potential alterations to the TAP system to reduce noise and pollution to Aycliffe residents;
  - reviewing the 40mph limit currently in place east of the roundhill tunnel to the Aycliffe roundabout (a clear annoyance to locals a lot of whom now use B2011 New Folkestone Road or the Alkham Valley alternatives);
  - providing clear unimpeded access off the A20 at Courtwood for local traffic;
  - addressing access problems to the A20 eastbound for Capel-le-Ferne traffic;
  - heavy plant and machinery access to the Western Heights development areas;
  - the work being carried out by DHB between the Prince of Wales roundabout and the Eastern Dock (scheduled to last a year);
  - improvements needed to the A2 between Brenley Corner and Jubilee Way roundabout, particularly dualing the section from Lydden Hill to the B258 Deal roundabout;
  - service vehicle access to the St James Development directly off Townwall Street;
  to list but a few.
  Perhaps those that responded to HE's consultation process, or would like to share their views on managing freight and local traffic around Dover, could post their thoughts. I'm sure there are plenty!
  
  Don't even start me on the 'help' to local residents afforded by the so called 'Western Docks Revival' initiative.

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