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French strike brings M20 closure French strike brings M20 closure
(about 3 hours 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 blockades at Calais, Dunkirk and Boulogne, which saw the three French ports being closed to ferries.
Dover Harbour Board said there had been no sailings since 0600 BST and it was unclear when the action would end. Ferry operators P&O and SeaFrance said on Wednesday evening that the blockage by French fishermen has been lifted.
Under Operation Stack, lorries bound for France park on the M20 when cross-Channel transport is blocked. But Operation Stack, where lorries park on the M20 when cross-Channel transport is blocked, remains in place.
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 consequencesBrian 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.