I suspect it is because there is no separate queue for TIR containers, and so they have to queue like everyone else in the run in to Dover. It's not a good look for the UK government to have Irish trucks whizzing past UK trucks in their own country.

A little bit of planning and goodwill between the UK and Ireland governments could solve that problem, but I suspect that may be something Gove is keeping in reserve as a bargaining chip for the N. Ireland protocol talks.

He needs to avoid overplaying his hand however. If this goes on for too long, carrying freight on direct Ireland/France/Spain routes will become the new normal and, as ever, there will be logistical pressure to ensure back-loads are full. The more Ireland gets used to sourcing goods from the EU the more Ireland UK trade will suffer.

Index of Frank's Diaries