TWO new Covid-19 testing centres for hauliers heading to France have been set up in Hampshire, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said today.
Southbound services on the A34 at Sutton Scotney near Winchester and at Fleet on the M3 were started up this weekend.
Mr Shapps said 20 sites were being set up nationwide, 10 of the sites opening on Saturday, with a further 10 on Sunday, and more being added during the week.
The Government is also offering help to firms that wish to set up a testing location at their own premises.
Testing kits will be made available to companies free of charge under the initiative.
The move comes after restrictions were put in place on hauliers by the French government following the identification of a new strain of coronavirus in the UK.
Drivers wanting to enter France from Britain must show proof of a negative Covid-19 test taken in the previous 72 hours.
Meanwhile, the lorry park on the A31 between Alresford and Winchester has yet to be used by lorry drivers with freight flowing smoothly through Portsmouth.
Other coronavirus news:
Today's Covid figues
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here