What is Operation Stack?
Operation Stack is the name given to the traffic management plan
used by Kent Police when, as a result of restrictions at the Port
of Dover, it is necessary to transform sections of the M20 motorway
into a lorry park.
When Operation Stack is running, Kent Police park lorries in
three rows on parts of the carriageway on the M20 until they can
direct them to either the Channel Tunnel or to ferries at Dover, as
space becomes available. Other traffic is diverted from the
motorway.
What junctions of the M20 are affected by Operation Stack?
Kent Police can implement three phases of Operation Stack:
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 Junctions 8 (Maidstone) and 9 (Ashford)
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).
When is Operation Stack used?
Operation Stack is used when there are restrictions at the Port
of Dover. Restrictions may be caused for such reasons as bad
weather affecting channel crossings, or strike action.
Operation Stack remains an emergency provision for Kent Police
and is only implemented following a thorough assessment of issues,
including safety concerns and disruption on the road network.
Who manages Operation Stack?
Kent Police works with the Highways Agency, Kent County Council
and other partner agencies to manage Operation Stack.
Once the decision has been made to use Operation Stack, Kent Police
use their own emergency powers to close sections of the M20.
As the network operator for strategic roads, the Highways Agency
is responsible for the M20 and for the A20 and provides traffic
management in support of the police to enable them to implement
Operation Stack.
The Highways Agency, Kent Police and Kent County Council review
the extent to which Operation Stack has been implemented and are
considering what improvements might be possible, both in the short
and longer term - to reduce the delay for cross-Channel and local
travellers.
Can I use the M20 when Operation Stack is in place?
During Operation Stack cars are diverted off of the M20 where
junctions have been closed.
When Operation Stack is running, motorists are advised to avoid the
area unless their journey is absolutely necessary.
Where can I find out if Operation Stack is in place?
The latest information about Operation Stack is available on the
Kent Police
website (link opens in a new window).
What do lorry drivers need to do during Operation Stack (ticket
system)?
A ticket system for lorries is used during Operation
Stack.
Drivers are given paperwork when at the front of the queue that
they must present on arrival at the Port of Dover. If drivers
arrive without this paperwork they will be turned away and directed
back up the A2/M2/A249 to join the rear of the Stack queue.
What is the proposed solution to Operation Stack?
Read more about the proposed
Operation Stack lorry park. |