Operation Transmission concerns the port of Portsmouth and details plans to reduce and hopefully avoid severe congestion after we leave the EU.

This affects hauliers mostly but in the event of a no-deal Brexit, it could also have an effect on passengers too.

Mike Sellers, Port Director, issued a statement on 12 October 2019 in aid of reassuring customers and stakeholders on how Brexit will affect operations at the port, here is a summary; 

"Portsmouth International Port is vital for transporting much-needed freight quickly to ports in northern France, Spain and the Channel Islands. Known as Ro-Ro, this ferry service works against the clock to make sure that goods never stop from when they arrive on board a ship, to leaving a port. We want to make sure this essential just-in-time service , which only Ro-Ro ports can provide, remains uninterrupted and goods, alongside passengers, continue to flow seamlessly when the UK exits the EU. As a major UK port, many businesses rely on Portsmouth to transport goods across the Channel... which is why we're working with multiple agencies to make sure hauliers can be processed quickly. In the event of the UK leaving the EU without a deal, a LRF (Local Resilience Forum) contingency plan called Operation Transmission will be in place."

To prevent delays and avoid cancellations to your travel plans, hauliers have been encouraged to follow these instructions -

• At certain times, we are expecting the M275 area of the city will be busier than normal so if you need to travel in this area, plan your journey and allow more time.
• For drivers' safety, we will be reducing the speed limit to 40MPH on part of the M275, while the special arrangements for lorries are in place. 
• Vehicle signs on the motorway will direct lorries going to the EU. All other vehicles, including vehicle passengers for Brittany Ferries and all traffic for Condor Ferries should follow signs and routes as normal. 

In a no-deal situation, passengers have been advised to follow these simple steps to prevent cancellations and delays to travel plans -

• Only travel to the port if you have a valid booking for a sailing from Portsmouth 
• Arrive on time, if you arrive too early this could cause congestion 
• Check that you have made the necessary preparations to be able to drive in the EU in a no-deal scenario.
• Check that you have at least six months left on your passport from the date of renewal if you are due to travel soon. 

Further information on 'Exiting the EU 'is available on the Portsmouth City Council website.