Stack in Operation: Folkestone and Hythe cut-off

Operation Stack (the closure of sections of the coast-bound M20) is again bringing chaos across Folkestone and Hythe. Phase 1 of Operation Stack (M20 closure Eastbound from J11 to J12) has been in place since yesterday as cross-channel services were disrupted by high winds. The backlog from that disruption and new delays due to a blockade of Calais by French fishermen has caused the implementation of the second stage of Operation Stack (closure Eastbound J8 Maidstone to J9 Ashford).

Traffic across Folkestone and Hythe is heavy as people seek alternative routes to the closed M20. Police are asking traffic to use the A20 and other routes to avoid the M20 but there are major delays.

Local businessman and Lib Dem campaigner Darren Briddock has offered his condolences to those caught in Operation Stack today. He said:

"Traffic across the area is a nightmare today - even off the motorway the traffic is building up as people look for other routes. Businesses and local residents are yet again being disrupted. I hope those stuck in the jams over the next few hours get home safely.

"As people as stuck in the jams however, its worth remembering how cut off Folkestone and Hythe are at this time, and how long it takes to get to here from Ashford or Maidstone.

"Now imagine that Kent Fire and Rescue cut the second wholetime fire engine from Folkestone, and our area becomes more reliant on cover from stations like Ashford. Unless their fire engine can fly, when Operation Stack is in full force, there is no way it'll get through."

A recent letter from Shepway Lib Dem Group Leader Lynne Beaumont and Folkestone Liberal Democrat Group Leader Tim Prater to members of the Kent Fire Authority drew attention to the impact of Operation Stack when considering proposed cuts to Folkestone Fire cover. Their letter said:

"Another huge factor is that one of the worst structural transport problems for the County impacts most significantly on Folkestone - Operation Stack, whereby sections of the M20 are used as temporary lorry parking in the case of disruption to cross-channel services. Lorries are parked on the coast-bound carriageway with the road closed to all other traffic at the same time. Phase 1 involves closing the road between Junctions 11 (Hythe) and 12 (Cheriton), with the A20 providing an alternative route. Phase 2 involves closing the M20 between Maidstone and Ashford (Junctions 8 to 9) with the A20 being used as the diversionary road again.

"When both sections of Operation Stack are in place, can make it impossible to reach Folkestone and Hythe from other parts of the county. It can take hours to get from Ashford to Folkestone, and more from Maidstone. Requiring strategic cover from Ashford could cause serious delays if an engine, or the turntable ladder has to come from Ashford, potentially endangering lives.

"Alternatives to Operation Stack are being looked at, including lorry parking sites, but it remains one of the single worst infrastructure issues in Kent. To cut fire cover in Folkestone while the Kent imposed Operation Stack could block any support from neighbouring brigades would be a massive, foreseeable risk."

Operation Stack has been imposed as all sailings with P&O Ferries and SeaFrance to Calais have been disrupted by industrial action by French fishermen at the Port of Calais. Norfolkline sailings to Dunkerque, are delayed as they catch-up from yesterday's disruption from storms and high winds. SpeedFerries fastcraft services from the Hoverport to Boulogne are also suspended until 1st February for an annual refit.