Banning lorries from overtaking on the A20 out of Dover did not result in any benefits.

The ban was introduced for an 18-month trial period on the section of the road past Samphire Hoe heading for Capel, which is uphill.

It followed concern about delays caused to other motorists because of lorries passing each other slowly, and whether this had resulted in accidents.

The fact that there had been no improvement was revealed by Transport Secretary Stephen Hammond in an answer to a question by Dover MP Charlie Elphicke who wanted to know whether Mr Hammond had given any consideration to banning lorries from overtaking on motorways and dual carriageways.

Mr Hammond said there were no such plans.

“An overtaking ban was installed for 18 months on two miles of the westbound A20 dual carriageway leading uphill away from Dover,” he said.

“The experimental A20 ban was monitored, but there was no evidence of discernable benefits and so it was discontinued in September 2011. The Highways Agency continues to monitor this area for any changes in circumstances that may warrant a review.”