Press release

Coastbound M20 remains closed between Maidstone and Ashford

Road users are reminded that the coastbound M20 remains closed between junction 8 (Hollingbourne) and junction 9 (Ashford) as Operation Stack phase 2 is in place.

At 2.30pm, today there was severe congestion between junctions 4 and 8 with delays of over 3 hours.

Phase Two of Operation Stack was put in place due to reduced capacity at the Channel Tunnel, which has seen non-freight traffic diverted onto the A20 from junction 8 at Hollingbourne.

Tourist traffic heading to the Port of Dover and local traffic are advised to use the M2/A2 route to Dover to avoid the delays on the M20.

Road users are advised to plan their journeys and allow extra time or find alternative routes.

For updates, visit the Kent Police webpage

Advice to lorry drivers wishing to use Euro Tunnel or the Port of Dover

Kent Police is also reminding 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 Agency Information Line on 0300 123 5000.

Media enquiries

Journalists should contact the Highways Agency press office on 0844 693 1448 and use the menu to speak to the most appropriate press officer.

Updates to this page

Published 22 January 2015