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Operation Stack lorry park to be scrutinised by MPs

MPs are to hold another inquiry into Operation Stack to examine the case for a lorry park off the M20.

The cross-party select committee on transport has announced it is to examine the case for a lorry park and other alternatives in the wake of the government’s announcement of a £250m fund to find a solution.

The news comes as the consultation over possible lorry park sites in Stanford, near Folkestone off the M20, draws to a close.

Operation Stack in action last summer
Operation Stack in action last summer

The committee has published a call for evidence as part of the investigation, saying it wants to consider several issues. MPs on the committee have already held a hearing into Operation Stack.

In October, it took evidence from council leaders, the police, Highways England and others about what was needed to tackle the problems the scheme caused.

These include the extent to which a lorry park would minimise the impact of Operation Stack and the need to close the M20 and the effect it would have on communities and residents.

MPs also wants to hear evidence on short-term solutions while the construction of a lorry park is under way.

The two potential sites revealed as possible lorry park solutions to Operation Stack
The two potential sites revealed as possible lorry park solutions to Operation Stack

However, its remit will not include any discussion of which of the two sites suggested by Highways England would be best, saying that it was a planning issue.

While the park options have received support from councils and MPs, there has been opposition from some concerned that the parks will not accommodate enough HGVs to stop the M20 from being closed.

It is understood that the committee is likely to hold a further hearing after the four-week call for evidence ends on February 29.

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