Operation Stack is the code name for the parking of lorries on the M20 in Kentwhen, for whatever reason, the Port of Dover or the Channel Tunnel cannot accept any more cross-Channel traffic. Stack has been a controversial project as, while it eases congestion in the port, it pushes M20 traffic onto the A20 and other roads in Kent. It is also costly for road transport operators which have vehicles caught in queues for several hours at a time.
When is Operation Stack used?
Kent County Constabulary has sole responsibility for implementing and managing Operation Stack. Once the decision has been made to use Operation Stack, Kent Police use their own emergency powers to close the M20. Channel-bound lorries are parked on the M20 coast-bound carriageway between J11-12 while other traffic is diverted along the A20 via J11. When the M20 J11-12 becomes full, the coast-bound carriageway between J8-9 is also closed for lorry parking. This helps to reduce road congestion in and around Dover and at the Channel crossing terminals.
Why is Operation Stack used?
Industrial action, bad weather conditions, or isolated problems such as broken berths can all cause disruption and delays at the port. In December 2007 delays were caused by French industrial action for instance.
What are the alternatives to Operation Stack?
Kent County Council has long been opposed to Operation Stack because of the congestion it causes in the surrounding area. However several options have been put forward to alleviate the problem:
Kent County Council is attempting to buy 100 acres of land near the Dover port to convert to a lorry park for several thousand vehicles. It has not yet decided upon a site but, if grass-based, it may well be reinforced with steel mesh to protect the ground. The Council has agreed to pay for the lorry park itself..
A coned contraflow system has been trialled to ease congestion on the A20 but it proved expensive and time-consuming to erect and dismantle.
In June 2007 the government agreed to the use of Quick Moveable Barriers (QMBs) which can allow two-way traffic flow on the northbound carriageway of the M20 while allowing stacking on the southbound sections. The use of QMBs was welcomed by the council and used in 2007. The scheme has cost £12.6m.
Other truck parks have been suggested by Shepway District Council (near Junction 11) and, on a temporary basis, at the Kent County Showground in Detling. However these have not been taken forward so far.
It is unlikely that the requirement for stacking traffic somewhere in the Dover area will disappear in the foreseeable future. However Operation Stack will be need to be used in conjunction with other methods and sites as the Port of Dover is planning a £300m expansion including a new terminal. This will increase traffic, although greater port efficiency may offset some of the extra congestion.
