DOVER’s transport problems were once again on the political agenda as transport minister Kim Howells visited the town.

Dr Howells heard about road and rail issues and also the challenges the Port of Dover faces as it tries to expand. He said that he will meet transport secretary Alaistair Darling in rthe coming few days to discuss the issues raised.

His visit came only hours after the port re-opened, following severe weather conditions which closed the port and caused gridlock on surrounding roads.

When asked if the last few miles of the A2 would be dualled from Lydden, after 27 years of promises to improve the road, he replied: “I don’t know. I can’t give you that answer now.

“It is quite clear, though, that if projected capacities through the port are going to increase then something very serious has got to be done to have access to and from Dover.

“The line of lorries I saw from the top of the Western Heights cannot be good for air quality or the residents of Dover.”

Dr Howells added that he was keen that the Strategic Rail Authority should consider the benefits of bringing the CTRL high-speed rail link to Dover, saying it would provide a link with jobs and might encourage more people to use the cruise terminal.

MP Gwyn Prosser and Dr Howells travelled by train to Dover Priory, so the minister could see the problems of using CTRL high-speed trains through the channel tunnel. At present the design of trains is not suitable to run through the 140-year-old tunnel.

Dr Howells also stated that he would like to see more freight carried by rail. “It has increased by 30 per cent over the past six years, but it’s barely made a dent as the economy has grown so fast and the amount carried on roads is phenomenal.”

Dover Harbour Board Chief Executive, Bob Goldfield, added: “I think we are in with a real chance of making improvements, but I am ever the optimist.

“Even if a decision is made on dualling the A2, today, which it won’t be, we are still looking at seven years to make the road a dual carriageway. So we are always looking at eight years for that project.”