No More Misery On Kent’s Roads – Ridgeway – CPC Training

The Freight Transport Association (FTA) have stated that the announcement of a new lorry area which will hopefully solve problems which are cause by Operation Stack and will hopefully end the misery on Kent’s roads whilst keep business running smoothly.

Patrick McLoughlin, Transport Secretary, annouced that a site for over 3,500 trucks at Stanford West would be built as a solution to the traffic chaos on the M20 and surrounding roads when there are problems at the Port of Dover.

Operation Stack – Ridgeway Training – CPC Training

FTA’s Head of policy for London and the South East, Natalie Chapman, had this to say about the announcement: “FTA has been pressing for a permanent solution to the problems caused by Operation Stack so we’re delighted that the new lorry area could be ready by next summer.

She continued…

“This will end the misery for thousands of residents and businesses whose lives have been repeatedly disrupted by Operation Stack on the M20, especially last summer when it was implemented 32 times. However, the design of the lorry site is crucial to ensure that trucks can be quickly moved to the port and Eurotunnel as soon as capacity is available.”

Investing in Roads – Ridgeway Training – CPC Training

George Osborne annouced that there would be up to £250 million for a permanent lorry area in last year’s Autumn Statement. The Government are now looking into additional use of the area for overnight parking to try and relieve the problem of illegal parking in the country.

Later on, Ms Chapman added: “Of course, we would rather avoid Operation Stack altogether and keep the wheels of industry turning, so it is important that the lorry park doesn’t become out of sight, out of mind. We still need to tackle the causes of Operation Stack.

“It would be a bonus if the site could accommodate overnight lorry parking as this is also a serious problem in the county. However, this must not be at the cost of the smooth-running of the site for Operation Stack.”

Operation Stack was introduced back in 1988 during a strike at Folkestone Docks and has been frequently implemented since during disruption at the port. Stage 4 of Operation Stack was put into place for the first time last summer, closing both of the carriageways of the M20.

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