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M20 chaos ends after Stack lifted | M20 chaos ends after Stack lifted |
(about 6 hours later) | |
Drivers using the M20 have been given a temporary reprieve with the lifting of Operation Stack, which involves lorries queuing to cross the Channel. | |
Coastbound lanes in Kent were partly closed for 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 | 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. | 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. | 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. | 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. | "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. | 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. |