Highways Agency

Operation Stack - Published 18/11/08

Kent Police have made the decision to implement operation stack (which involves parking channel-bound lorries on parts of the M20) due to 48-hour strike action at the Dover Port today, Tuesday 18 November 2008.

The Highways Agency is advising drivers intending to travel through Dover, or planning to travel to Europe using Dover ferries,  to check with their respective ferry operator that services are running before heading to the port.Hauliers and all road users are being urged to consider whether journeys are absolutely necessary and where possible to avoid travelling should the strike go ahead.

As network operator for England’s motorways and major A roads, the Highways Agency is working with Kent Police to provide traffic management support for the implementation of Operation Stack.

To limit any delays to road users, the Highways Agency has used the Quick Movable Barrier System to safely deploy a concrete barrier on the London-bound carriageway between junction 11 and 12. This creates a contra-flow on the London-bound carriageway while those commercial vehicles awaiting access to the Channel Tunnel are parked on the coast-bound carriageway.

Those who decide to use roads in the area are reminded to ensure they set out on their journeys with adequate provisions especially any necessary medication as well as water and food as they may find themselves in queues of traffic for some time.

Drivers are advised to check their route for delays before they travel, and to check travel news bulletins during their journey.

Know what's happening on the motorways and major A roads before you set off

• check out our website: www.highways.gov.uk/trafficinfo
• Listen to travel news broadcasts or tune in to Traffic Radio - available 24/7 via DAB digital radio or online at http://www.trafficradio.org.uk/
• For real-time traffic information, the Highways Agency 24-hour voice activated telephone service is on 08700 660 115
• Call the Highways Agency Information Line on 08457 50 40 30.
• Road users can find out details of all planned roadworks or events that could impact on their journeys by visiting www.highways.gov.uk/trafficinfo

Operation Stack - Phases

Phase 1

Channel-bound lorries are parked on the M20 coast bound carriageway between Junctions 11 (Hythe) and 12 (Cheriton) while other traffic is diverted along the A20 via Junction 11.

Phase 2

When the M20 between junctions 11 and 12 becomes full, the coast bound carriageway between Maidstone and Ashford (Junctions 8 and 9) is also closed for lorry parking.

This helps to reduce road congestion in and around Dover and at the Channel crossing terminals.

Phase 3

This involves closing the M20 London bound between junctions 9 and 8 (Ashford to Maidstone).

For the latest news regarding operation stack on the M20 in Kent and what phase is currently in operation please visit the Kent Police Website.