Statement from KCC – Possible tourist traffic layover site

20 July 2026

You may be aware that issues with the EU Entry/Exit system persist and that the technology necessary to complete registration at the newly formed areas at Eurotunnel and the Port are not in place in time for the summer getaway.

As we did in May of this year, we are working with the Kent and Medway Resilience Forum (KMRF) and Department for Transport (DfT) as an emergency contingency to stand up layover and passenger wellbeing locations for tourist traffic to use as an alternative to remaining on the road during extreme periods of congestion. The site at Lydden Hill Racetrack is ready for use, however the need for an additional site near the M20 was determined. The Department for Transport has confirmed that a layover site and passenger wellbeing location will be made available at the former Folkestone Racecourse site at Westenhanger, off the A20, and work is underway to ready this site to be available for the busiest part of the summer.

The site will not be ‘advertised’ and it is not anticipated that it will be used except in extremis when we would expect to have further support from other KMRF partners, if necessary, to support traffic management in and around the area. Whilst the site is operational, we will have Community Safety Accreditation Scheme (CSAS) accredited operatives directing and marshalling traffic both onto and off of the site, with clear signage from the M20. If the site is required to be stood up for use, there will be comms managed by the KMRF.

To reiterate, this site will run in conjunction with the Lydden Hill Race Circuit and, when stood up by the KMRF, will only be for tourist traffic to use as an alternative to remaining on the road during extreme periods of congestion.

Please contact Kent County Council if you would like any further information.