Thousands of holidaymakers, hauliers and local residents have been caught in traffic jams in East Kent.
The drivers found themselves in congestion caused by the introduction of Operation Stack on coast bound sections of the M20 in Kent because of delays to cross-channel ferry and Eurotunnel services resulting from migrant activity in Calais.
Commenting on the situation, Philip Gomm of the RAC Foundation said:
“Kent is a major gateway to and from Europe but once again that gate is well and truly shut. Operation Stack has become the rule rather than the exception and on one of the busiest travel weekends of the year it is causing mayhem for hauliers, holidaymakers and local residents alike.
“A few months ago the government created a new road user watchdog called Transport Focus and it is good to hear it has made Operation Stack its number one priority.
“Solving the immigration crisis is clearly a job for heads of government but that doesn’t mean officials here can’t do more to keep South East England moving. The depressing thing is that cross-channel disruption is nothing new and Operation Stack has been with us for almost 30 years. Yet only now are we seriously considering how to address its shortcomings.
“There are clearly safety issues connected with setting up a contraflow on the M20 or allowing cars and stationary lorries to mix on the motorway, yet there are also health, safety and economic issues associated with local residents not being able to get to work, to the shops or to a doctor’s appointment.
“The idea of widening the M20 to create a spare lane might seem radical, but recent weeks have shown that radical is what we need if people aren’t to be routinely caught in gridlock. Certainly it should be pursued in principle while some of the other immediate, practical suggestions are attempted.”
ENDS
Contact:
Philip Gomm – Head of External Communications – RAC Foundation
[email protected] | 020 7747 3445 | 07711 776448 | 020 7389 0601 (ISDN)
Notes to Editors:
The RAC Foundation is a transport policy and research organisation that explores the economic, mobility, safety and environmental issues relating to roads and their users. The Foundation publishes independent and authoritative research with which it promotes informed debate and advocates policy in the interest of the responsible motorist.
The RAC Foundation is a registered charity, number 1002705.