Proposals for new lorry area to help prevent disruptions announced today

Proposals for a major new lorry area that would help prevent disruptions across the English Channel have been announced today.

Two potential sites near the M20 have been identified for the lorry area, along with four broad ways it could be used. These options would prevent the closure of the M20 when there is disruption to cross-Channel services.

A Highways England consultation seeking public views on the proposals launches today, and will run until midnight on the 25^th of January.

Highways England Asset Manager for Kent, Kevin Bown said: “We have been working hard with our partners to identify solutions that offer the most promising benefits, and we are keen to hear what people think about the proposals. I advise anyone who would like to find out more to check out the consultation materials or come and see us at one of the public exhibitions we’ll be hosting.”

Operation Stack has been used by Kent Police and the Port of Dover on the M20 motorway in Kent when services across the English Channel are disrupted. The summer of 2015 saw the development of Operation Stack, which underlined the need for long term improvements for dealing with disruption.

Both sites, which are located near junction 11 of the M20 near Stanford, can easily be accessed from the motorway, potentially being used to help manage any disruptions affecting either the Port of Dover or Euro Tunnel services.

Natalie Chapman, FTA’s Head of Policy for London and the South East, said: “Kent desperately needs overnight facilities for lorry drivers to reduce the problem of trucks parking in villages and residential areas. We would urge Highways England to act quickly and consider providing a day-to-day facility for drivers that can also be used in emergencies instead of the Dover TAP and Operation Stack.”

The Chancellor announced £250M funding for a solution to Operation Stack in his Autumn Statement.

Highways England’s proposal would create parking for at least 3,600 trucks and consultation continue until 25 January.

 

 

The post Proposals for new lorry area to help prevent disruptions announced today appeared first on UK Construction Online.