A CONCERNED councillor wants the Government to realise lorries will “pile up” on a major road if a clear Brexit strategy is not implemented.

Harwich county councillor Ivan Henderson believes much more needs to be done to address problems facing the route between the A120, in Harwich, and Holland.

The issues were none more highlighted when traffic came to a standstill after the A120 was closed, in Ramsey, following a serious two-vehicle crash last Wednesday.

The accident closed the A120 in both directions for several hours.

Mr Henderson said planning for a Brexit lorry park was crucial to ensure the smooth running of the area.

He said clear guidance for extra infrastructure now needs to be given.

He added: “This is all based on the Government’s promise that by December a deal will be made.

“But the Government does not know what the deal is yet with the European Union and this decision should have started taking shape already.”

As part of the Brexit border arrangements from January 2021, a joint bid has been submitted between East Suffolk Council and Tendring Council for £1.8million from the Port Health Authority Transition Fund.

This funding will be used to support the transition arrangements at both Harwich and Felixstowe.

But Mr Henderson says more details are needed from the Government.

He said: “They are not sure how many people they will need and they are not sure what facilities they are going to have to have.”

Mr Henderson’s comments come after details emerged that truck drivers will need a permit to enter Kent after the Brexit transition period ends, the Government has said.

He said: “The alarm bells were ringing after the Government mentioned the possibility of 7,000 lorries clogging up roads in Kent.”

Mr Henderson said hauliers already use Harwich if there is any hold up at Dover.

He added: “Until there is agreement between the EU and the Government, no one knows what facilities are needed and what needs to be provided.

“I think they are underestimating what the problems are going to be for Harwich. There’s one single carriageway in and once lorries start piling up it’s going to be a problem.

“They need to start waking up and they need to start talking to hauliers and authorities and port owners about what their requirements are.”

A Cabinet Office spokesman said: “Engagement is underway with ports and we are speaking to local authorities about potential inland sites. Final decisions on inland sites will be set out in due course.”