Truckers Attempt to Return Home for Holidays After France Reopens Borders

A long line of lorries was reported in Kent, England, on Thursday, December 24, as thousands of drivers attempted to leave the UK.

France closed its borders to the UK on Sunday amid concerns over a fast-spreading coronavirus variant, leaving drivers stuck. France reopened its borders on Wednesday on the condition that those traveling test negative for the virus less than 72 hours before their trip.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said he sent instructions to the Army to run testing and HGV logistic operations in Kent in an effort to help haulers “trying to reach home for Christmas.”

Footage taken by Twitter user @EtemiAdnan in Maidstone on December 24 shows the backlog of vehicles on the M20 as lorry drivers attempted to reach the port of Dover to board the ferry into France. Credit: @EtemiAdnan via Storyful