In a new report published today, the committee expressed concern at slow progress and poor communication around work to avoid disruption and a lack of detailed information being provided to help businesses prepare.

The department also acknowledges, according to the report, that air services and international rail travel are areas where discussions with other countries are at a very early stage.

“The future of road, rail, maritime and air access to Europe after Brexit remains unclear and the Department for Transport has a critical role in ensuring the UK is prepared,” said committee chair Meg Hillier.

“With so little time remaining, there is still much to do. The risks associated with no deal are severe, yet plans for avoiding disruption around major ports in particular are worryingly under developed.”

Of particular concern is the status of ‘Project Brock’, which aims to ease congestion on the M20 in the event of disruption at the Port of Dover by allowing traffic to travel in contraflow on the northbound carriageway while lorries park on the coastbound route.

“The Department plans to spend £30M-35M this year on Project Brock, intended to manage traffic and lorry queuing at Dover. But it is still to carry out proposed desk based testing of the system and engagement with businesses has been poor,” added Meg Hillier.

“The secrecy around the department’s preparations, and the shortcomings in assurance on its progress, are a potentially toxic combination.”

The report recommends that the DfT should write to the committee before Christmas setting out the results of any Project Brock testing and explaining how wider plans to keep ports open for business have progressed.

It also urges an update on progress achieved against the department’s 28 internal Brexit related projects, some of which are dependent upon decisions being taken elsewhere in Government and on the state of discussions with other countries.

A DfT spokesman said: “We disagree with the committee’s conclusions which are not accurate and we are both disappointed and surprised that they have failed to reflect the evidence set out in the NAO’s report (published in October), which found that the department has made a determined effort in its preparations and achieved a great deal.”

(Photograph: Highways England)