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| Version 4 | Version 5 |
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| French strike brings M20 closure | French strike brings M20 closure |
| (about 1 hour 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 blockades which closed the ports of Calais, Dunkirk and Boulogne. | |
| Ferry operators P&O and SeaFrance said on Wednesday evening that the blockage by French fishermen has been lifted. | Ferry operators P&O and SeaFrance said on Wednesday evening that the blockage by French fishermen has been lifted. |
| But Operation Stack, where lorries park on the M20 during cross-Channel delays, is set to remain in place on Wednesday night and in the run-up to the weekend. | |
| A statement from Kent Police on Wednesday evening said the force was "issuing a strong message" to travellers not to attempt to get to Dover port without ensuring services are running again. | |
| At 1700 BST, it was estimated that about 1,200 lorries were queuing on the M20. | |
| Up to 3,320 vehicles can be stacked on the coastbound carriageway between the two closed junctions, the statement said. | |
| 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 | 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. |