“Operation Stack is only ever used as a last resort but we recognise the impact it has on roads in Kent, and are determined to deliver an alternative solution,” he said. “The new lorry area by the M20 will deliver better journeys for drivers and will not only support the region’s economy but also businesses as far away as Scotland that rely on the M20 to access the Port of Dover and the Channel Tunnel." 

The park will help keep the M20 moving during disruption to cross-channel services, helping companies go about their business and other drivers and residents go about their lives as normally as possible. Operation Stack was used on a record 32 days last year as the area was hit with unprecedented disruption in the summer. Following this, in last year’s Autumn Statement the government announced it would be providing up to £250 million for a permanent lorry area. 

The proposed site is west of the M20 junction 11 at Stanford West and will provide parking for up to 3,600 trucks. Balfour Beatty has already been appointed as the lead contractor for the project. 

Picture: Trucks stationary on motorway