Rod McKenzie, from the Road Haulage Association, told Sky News that 10,000 lorries a day crossed between Dover and Calais in France.
He added: “Brexit stockpiling is one thing, the Christmas rush is another thing, but the absolute hammer blow now is to close the borders for 48 hours.
“That is a serious disruption of the all important supply chain.”
Logistics UK, formerly the Freight Transport Association, which is based in Tunbridge Wells, tweeted: “Logistics UK is aware of news that accompanied freight to France is being not allowed for 48 hours; we are concerned about the welfare of drivers and we are urgently seeking more information for our members.”
Hauliers urged to avoid Kent ports after France closes border
PA
20 December 2020, 10:39 pm
The Transport Secretary has urged hauliers to avoid travelling to Kent ports as the closure of the France-UK border is expected to trigger “significant disruption”.
Grant Shapps’ comments came after Dover’s ferry terminal closed to “all accompanied traffic leaving the UK” after France moved to impose an inbound travel ban.
The French Government joined a number of other European nations in banning inbound flights from the UK in a bid to prevent the spread of a coronavirus mutation sweeping through London and the south east of England.
Covid-19: Serious disruption feared as Dover halts traffic to France
Published
image copyrightPA Media
The government and trade groups have warned of serious disruption after France blocked arrivals of UK passengers for 48 hours over concerns about the new coronavirus variant.
Freight lorries cannot cross by sea or through the Eurotunnel and the Port of Dover has closed to outbound traffic.
About 10,000 lorries a day travel between Dover and Calais during peak periods such as Christmas.
UK ministers will discuss the move at a Cobra emergency committee on Monday.
On Sunday, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps urged the public and hauliers not to travel to ports in Kent, saying significant disruption was likely in the area.
Earlier Health Secretary Matt Hancock admitted the new variant coronavirus was “out of control” and that tough new restrictions announced by Mr Johnson on Saturday may remain in place for months. A No 10 spokesman said: “The Prime Minister will chair a Cobra meeting tomorrow to discuss the situation regarding international travel, in particular the steady flow of freight into and out of the UK. “Further meetings are happening this evening and tomorrow morning to ensure robust plans are in place.” Rod McKenzie, from the Road Haulage Association, told Sky News that 10,000 lorries a day crossed between Dover and Calais in France.