Coastbound M20 closed between Maidstone and Ashford
The coastbound M20 has been closed between junction 8 (Maidstone) and junction 9 (Ashford) due to Operation Stack
Non-freight traffic is being diverted via the A20, following the hollow circle symbol.
There is congestion on the M20 approaching junction 8; at 3pm it is currently back to junction 7 with delays of over an hour.
It is expected the industrial action in Calais will last until this evening (23 June). As a result, it is expect Operation Stack will be in place overnight and well into tomorrow until the backlog of traffic has cleared.
Drivers planning to use Euro Tunnel or the Port of Dover are advised to contact their operator before travelling.
Phase two of Operation Stack is in place due to disruption on the French side of the English Channel. Currently the Port of Calais is closed due to industrial action but services from Dover to Dunkirk remain open and extra crossings are being arranged. In Coquelles, there was a partial blockade of the Channel Tunnel terminal which has now been cleared and Eurotunnel is working to clear the backlog of its traffic.
Kent Police has reminded lorry drivers that those at the front of the queue will get a ticket to continue their journey to the continent. Those who use the diversions for non-freight traffic in an attempt to get closer to the front, and who do not have a ticket, will be sent to the back of the Op Stack queue.
General enquiries
Members of the public should contact the Highways England customer contact centre on 0300 123 5000.
Media enquiries
Journalists should contact the Highways England press office on 0844 693 1448 and use the menu to speak to the most appropriate press officer.