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| Version 1 | Version 2 |
|---|---|
| M20 chaos ends after Stack lifted | M20 chaos ends after Stack lifted |
| (30 minutes later) | |
| Drivers using the M20 in Kent have been given a temporary reprieve with the lifting of Operation Stack, which sees lorries queuing to cross the Channel. | Drivers using the M20 in Kent have been given a temporary reprieve with the lifting of Operation Stack, which sees lorries queuing to cross the Channel. |
| Coastbound lanes had been partly closed for a record six days due to an ongoing strike by SeaFrance ferry workers. | Coastbound lanes had been partly closed for a record six days due to an ongoing strike by SeaFrance ferry workers. |
| The M20 between junctions eight and nine was reopened after the backlog of lorries heading to France was cleared. | The M20 between junctions eight and nine was reopened after the backlog of lorries heading to France was cleared. |
| However, police warn the closure could be reinstated amid fears the forecasted stormy weather could shut Dover port. | However, police warn the closure could be reinstated amid fears the forecasted stormy weather could shut Dover port. |
| The strike by SeaFrance workers has now entered its 11th day, with further action planned this week. | The strike by SeaFrance workers has now entered its 11th day, with further action planned this week. |
| Lorry park proposal | |
| As result, freight traffic has had to use the Channel Tunnel and other ferry operators to reach France. | As result, freight traffic has had to use the Channel Tunnel and other ferry operators to reach France. |
| Non-commercial traffic heading for Dover, Folkestone and Eurotunnel is still being advised to use the A2 and M2 diversions to avoid delays. | Non-commercial traffic heading for Dover, Folkestone and Eurotunnel is still being advised to use the A2 and M2 diversions to avoid delays. |
| Kent Police said it would review the situation on Sunday night when severe gales are forecast to hit the UK, coupled with heavier freight traffic. | |
| The Freight Transport Association has estimated the disruption caused by the French industrial action has cost £500,000 a day. | |
| Director of external affairs, Geoff Dossetter, said the current bill stood between £4m and £5m, with delays to lorry drivers averaging four hours. | |
| "All transport costs inevitably have to be paid by the consumer," he warned. | |
| Kent County Council has confirmed it will reveal plans this week for a preferred location for a semi-permanent lorry park to ease the pressures caused by Operation Stack. |