Operation Stack Needs Solving – Ridgeway – Management CPC
As the consolation for plans to build a brand new lorry area in Kent to tackle disruption caused by Operation Stack was launched on 12th August, the Freight Transport Association (FTA) says that the solution must put a stop to future problems on Kent’s roads.
The Highways England consultation will go on till the end of September. Those who have contributed so far have been encouraged to have their say on the design of the new lorry area, which is being built to keep the M20 moving during any disruption to cross-channel services.
The FTA has been pursuing the new lorry area to be built as a matter of urgency which will hopefully avoid a repeat of the chaos seen on the M20 last year when Operation Stack was implemented for 32 days in total, which ended up costing the UK freight industry £750k every day. FTA’s Head of Policy for London and the South East, Natalie Chapman said: “FTA is hoping that this consultation will solve the problems associated with Operation Stack.
“We have been pressing for an end to the misery for thousands of residents and businesses whose lives have been repeatedly disrupted by Operation Stack on the M20, especially last year when it was implemented on 32 days. 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.”
The Government set aside £250 million for a permanent lorry area to be built in last year’s Autumn Statement set to explore the additional use of the area for overnight lorry parking to relieve the problem of illegal parking.
Natalie Chapman continued: “FTA 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.”
Operation Stack was first introduced during a strike at the Folkestone Docks and has since been frequently implemented. Stage 4 was put in p;ace for the first time last summer, closing both the coast-bound and London-bound carriageways of the M20.
Ridgeway – Management CPC
Thank you for reading the latest news from Ridgeway Training, for more information on our services, don’t hesitate to contact us today!
