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OPERATION STACK OR OPERATION 'STUCK'

Lib Dem campaigner Peter Carroll is writing to the Chief Constable of Kent to demand that Operation Stack be changed.

Peter said, 'Literally hundreds of local residents are having their journeys home completely ruined by Operation Stack. I understand that Stack has to run in some form. However, I do not believe that the WHOLE motorway needs to be shut down. I am asking the Chief Constable to examine if it is possible to keep at least one motorway lane open.'

The combination of bad weather and problems in Calais has meant that on some occasions the Motorway has been closed coast bound all the way from Junction 8. Peter added, 'If the Motorway is closed from as far back as Junction 8, the A20 simply cannot cope.

I am asking the Chief Constable to ensure that in this circumstance, Police Officers are positioned on the A20 to make sure that it keeps moving.'

Peter's letter reads:

Dear Chief Constable,

I write on behalf of a great many residents of Folkestone and Hythe to ask for your assistance with Operation Stack.

People in East Kent understand that on certain occasions there will be a need to cater for lorries who are delayed due to industrial action or bad weather. However, in recent weeks Operation Stack appears to have become more common. Consequently, the disruption and inconvenience caused to local residents has increased dramatically.

I have two main requests:

• On behalf of local people, could you investigate if it is necessary to have all THREE lanes and the hard shoulder sealed off as part of Stack? I believe that everyone understands the need for safety. That said, perhaps using 2 lanes for the lorries, with one lane for Police/Safety Access and the remaining lane for cars would be viable and safe?

• In the circumstances that the Motorway is closed at Jn 8, all traffic is diverted to the A20. The traffic then has to negotiate Lenham and Charing with all the associated junctions. Having suffered the enormous delays on this stretch of the A20 it seems plain that the road simply cannot cope. However, if it were possible for Police Officers to control some of the key junctions/roundabouts I believe it may be possible to improve the situation.

The problems induced by Operation Stack have lead many local people to start referring to it as Operation Stuck. Can I ask that you give every possible consideration to reducing its impact in whatever way possible.

Best wishes

Peter Carroll

Parliamentary Spokesman for Shepway Lib Dems