Council leaders in cross-party talks to avert no-deal Brexit traffic chaos in Hampshire

CONGESTION at Portsmouth caused by Brexit could have knock-on effects on roads across Hampshire, council leaders have warned.

Senior politicians from the county’s biggest authorities have been meeting with emergency services to prepare for the UK leaving the EU in less than three months – potentially with no deal.

The cross-party discussions are to coordinate readiness for 29th March, including the biggest anticipated problem of traffic build-up from Portsmouth where cross-Channel ferries are likely to be diverted if Dover is overwhelmed by delays caused by extra customs checks.

Face-to-face discussions have been held between Hampshire County Council leader Cllr Roy Perry, Isle of Wight leader Cllr Dave Stewart, Portsmouth leader Cllr Gerald Vernon-Jackson and Southampton leader Cllr Christopher Hammond.

Cllr Perry said: “As a leading export county, I want to ensure that collectively, we do all we can to support international trade, jobs and businesses, by taking the practical steps needed to respond effectively to whatever the outcome of Brexit may be.

“In the meantime, we will continue developing our contingency plans to ensure that any potential short-term adverse impact on local communities is minimised, and that our residents, including the most vulnerable, are able to receive the goods and services they need.”

Cllr Hammond added: “Locally, we’re working with the Port of Southampton and Connect partners to plan for any detrimental traffic impact in the city and the surrounding area which might be caused by an increase in HGV movements across the Solent network.”

The four council leaders have written to transport secretary Chris Grayling to outline their concerns and requests for support, which have also been highlighted to the Prime Minister and all Hampshire and Isle of Wight MPs.

In particular they have requested “better engagement” from Highways England and the Ministry of Defence, which owns land that may be of use as holding space for lorries.

Portsmouth International Port currently transports up to 500 lorries a day abroad but that could increase significantly if traffic diverts from other docks.

With only 13 lorry lengths between the check-in and the M275, there is concern queues will quickly back up to the motorway and affect the wider network.

Preparations are being made by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Local Resilience Forum (LRF), which is made up of a range of organisations including councils and emergency services.

The first meeting included a briefing from the chair of the LRF strategic co-ordinating group, Assistant Chief Constable Dave Hardcastle.