MPs from Hampshire have met with Transport Secretary Chris Grayling to discuss concerns about the readiness of Portsmouth International Port and the surrounding road network in the event of a no-deal Brexit.
Concerns had been aired locally about potentially dramatic increases in congestion on both the M27 and M3 due to traffic jams in Portsmouth in the event of a no-deal scenario. It was suggested that congestion at Dover on the English Channel would result in additional pressure on the port in Portsmouth.
Subsequently, MPs from southern Hampshire have met with the Transport Secretary to seek assurances that Portsmouth will not grind to a halt. The meeting was attended by Suella Braverman, Caroline Nokes, Steve Brine, Mims Davies, Penny Mordaunt, Alan Mak, Caroline Dinenage and George Hollingbery.
In a subsequent letter to MPs, Chris Grayling explained that even in the event of no-deal, significant disruption to the road network was not foreseen and that minor pressures could be mitigated through advanced planning.
Portsmouth itself accounts for 3% of national roll-on roll-off traffic, compared to 52% at Dover and 30% via the Eurotunnel.
During the meeting, Fareham MP Suella Braverman also raised the planned upgrade of Junction 10 on the M27, stressing to Chris Grayling that the work be integrated with the smart motorway upgrades in order to save time, money and avoid any unnecessary disruption to motorists.
Commenting on the meeting, Suella Braverman said:
“I was very pleased that the Transport Secretary was able to dispel the overblown rumours circulating about the M27 and M3 effectively becoming a car park in a no-deal Brexit. Together with fellow MPs from southern Hampshire, we had a very constructive meeting about the capabilities of Portsmouth International Port, should we leave the European Union without a deal on March 29th.
“The meeting was also a good opportunity to discuss the planned upgrade to Junction 10 on the M27 and how it should be integrated with the work on the new smart motorway. It is vital that these two projects are joined up to avoid unnecessary disruption and cost.”
