A POST-BREXIT inland border facility for lorries in Appleton Thorn opens today after months in development.

But why is the site needed?

With the Brexit transition period ending, the Government will now use the former Shearings interchange site in Appleton Thorn as a 24/7 inland border control point for heavy goods vehicles.

Once customs checks have been completed at the facility, drivers are expected to leave and continue their journey.

The facilities across the country will act as a Government office of departure, for outbound journeys, and a Government office of destination, for inbound journeys, where hauliers can start and end journeys when moving goods in and out of the UK, under the Common Transit Convention.

Warrington Guardian:

The former Shearings interchange site. Photo: Google Maps

How many vehicles will use the site?

This is to make sure the number of vehicles on site is kept to a minimum to reduce the risk of congestion.

The Government estimates that drivers will need between one to two hours to go through customs clearance.

The current proposals for the facility will accommodate space for up to 69 HGV spaces at any one time.

There are expected to be up to 300 vehicles using the site a day – which would amount to 600 lorry movements.

Automatic number plate recognition cameras

Signage will be in place to direct drivers to the facility, with customs checks expected to take between one to two hours.

There will be automatic number plate recognition cameras at the entry and exit points of the site.

This will monitor which HGVs are entering and exiting the site to manage traffic flows.

Warrington Guardian:

The site opens today

Concerns raised

Serious concerns have been raised over the impact on nearby roads, along with the potential impact on Barleycastle Trading Estate.

But the Government says the facility should not have an impact on communities as its assessments show the impact on the road network in the area is minimal.