M20 Shut as Operation Stack Kicks In Amid Dover Security Checks
The M20 between Junction 8 (Hollingbourne) and Junction 9 (Ashford) is now closed, Highways England confirms. The reason? Operation Stack is in full swing.
What’s Operation Stack?
It’s a Kent Police strategy to park lorries on the M20 when cross-Channel traffic grinds to a halt. This can happen due to delays at the Port of Dover or Channel Tunnel.
Today, heightened security checks at the Port of Dover are causing hold-ups. Extra screening of vehicles and passengers means queues are stacking fast, forcing the motorway closure.
Why Now?
- More stringent security controls at Dover
- Record traffic volumes heading to the Channel
- Police using powers under the Civil Contingencies Act 2004
Operation Stack is coordinated by Kent Police alongside the multi-agency group known as Operation Fennel. Their mission? Keep control and safety at the border while managing the motorway chaos.
Motorists are advised to avoid the area and seek alternative routes until the backlog clears.
