Queuing lorries park on the M20 under Operation Stack Strike action by French fishermen has led to the implementation of Operation Stack on the M20 in Kent to ease jams caused by Dover-bound lorries.

It follows the closure of the Port of Dover to all ferry traffic after the ports of Calais, Dunkirk and Boulogne were blockaded.

Dover Harbour Board said there had been no sailings since 0600 BST.

The coastbound M20 has been closed between junction eight for Leeds Castle and junction nine for Ashford West.

The carriageway is being used to park lorries before directing them through to either the Channel Tunnel or Dover.

Water and food

Other traffic is being diverted from junction eight onto the A20.

Kent Police said phase one of Operation Stack between junctions 11 and 12 coastbound was not in place as part of the current measure.

It said phase two had been implemented as it had proved to be "highly effective in keeping traffic moving" when it was used in February.

Motorists are being urged to plan their journeys in the run-up to the bank holiday weekend, to carry water and food in case of queues, and to check with cross-Channel ferry operators before setting off for scheduled sailings.

The Folkestone to Calais Eurotunnel shuttle service that carries freight and cars is running normally.


Source BBC News