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| Version 2 | Version 3 |
|---|---|
| French strike brings M20 closure | French strike brings M20 closure |
| (8 minutes later) | |
| Strike action by French fishermen has led to the implementation of Operation Stack on the M20 in Kent to ease jams caused by lorries going to Dover port. | Strike action by French fishermen has led to the implementation of Operation Stack on the M20 in Kent to ease jams caused by lorries going to Dover port. |
| It follows the closure to all ferry traffic after the ports of Calais, Dunkirk and Boulogne were blockaded. | It follows the closure 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 and it was unclear when the action would end. | Dover Harbour Board said there had been no sailings since 0600 BST and it was unclear when the action would end. |
| Under Operation Stack, lorries bound for France park on the M20 when cross-Channel transport is blocked. | Under Operation Stack, lorries bound for France park on the M20 when cross-Channel transport is blocked. |
| The coastbound part of the M20 has been closed between junction eight for Leeds Castle and junction nine for Ashford West. | The coastbound part of the 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. | The carriageway is being used to park lorries before directing them through to either the Channel Tunnel or Dover. |
| Brian Rees from P&O Ferries explains the consequences | |
| Other traffic is being diverted from junction eight onto the A20. | 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. | 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. | 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. | 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. |
| They are also advised to check with cross-channel ferry operators before setting off for scheduled sailings. | They are also advised 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. | The Folkestone to Calais Eurotunnel shuttle service that carries freight and cars is running normally. |