Lorry Park Plan to end Operation Stack Welcomed

2.08.38pm GMT Thu 10th Nov 2005

Peter Carroll above the M20 during a previous Operation Stack

Plans for a lorry park for up to 1,500 trucks are being unveiled by Dover Harbour Board today. The Board said it would end Operation Stack, where lorries wait on the M20 when port operations are delayed. No site has yet been named, but it is thought the lorry park, set to cost between £20m and £30m, may be between Farthingloe and Aycliff.

Peter Carroll and the Liberal Democrats have been campaigning for many months for the impact of Operation Stack on local residents to be reduced. Peter said:

"I'm pleased that that Dover Harbour Board are looking at ways of curing the problems of Operation Stack - although it's not before time.

"When the M20 is closed, it causes huge problems for local residents, not least due to traffic then stacking up through Folkestone and Hythe as people try to find alternative routes. Obviously, finding a suitable site for the lorry park is essential, but I hope that this can be done."

Local businessman Darren Briddock also welcomed the move. Darren said:

"I'm delighted that the Port of Dover has acknowledged their role in sorting Operation Stack. Any local driver will tell you that Operation stack not only closes the M20, but also reduces the A20, A259 and a number of other roads to chaos."