This summer we’ve seen the country grind to a halt as a result of Operation Stack. For 32 days 5,000 Lorries were parked on the M20 because of disruption in the channel tunnel. This lead to chaos for the people of Kent.
I’m relieved that Operation Stack has not been implemented since then, but that makes it even more critical that finding a long-term solution stays at the top of the Government's agenda. I have made this a priority since returning to Westminster after the summer recess and I’m pleased to say that it looks like we’re making some progress.
During the summer, Highways England announced that Manston Airfield will be used temporarily as a holding area for lorries when Operation Stack is in place. Planning permission for this has now been extended until June 2016. I realise this isn't a good long-term solution and may cause different problems such as delays on the M2, but we needed an immediate alternative to closing the M20.
This week I met Andrew Jones MP, Minister of State for Roads, for an update. He told me that the Department for Transport and Highways England have identified options for off-road areas where lorries can park instead of stacking up on the M20. Click on the attachment below to see his letter.
These will be announced soon and then there will be a consultation to which I strongly advise you respond. The aim is to make sure we have a holding area ready for next summer, in case of further disruption at the peak of the tourist season. I'm also lobbying the Chancellor for funding from central Government, since Kent should not bear the financial burden alone.
In the longer term, we need improvements to Kent's road network to increase resilience in the event of delays at the Channel and to cope with forecast increases in freight. This includes upgrading the M20, M2 and A2. I am pressing for this to be considered in the forthcoming Road Investment Strategy for 2020-2025.
Many people have raised the problem of lorries parking in lay-bys with me. I brought this up with the Minister. He is looking into the potential for new truck stops, but did explain that part of the problem is drivers choosing to stop in lay-bys where there is no charge to park. He is in discussion with freight companies and unions about this.
I also spoke to the Minister about alternative routes for freight, including the possibility of using ports outside of Kent. The challenge is that freight companies strongly prefer the Dover-Calais route as it is quicker and cheaper. That said, I will continue to look into alternatives to the channelling of freight along Kent's roads to Europe.
My number one priority is to press for a workable solution that will stop the chaos we experienced in the summer.
