RAC comment on new Operation Stack

Roads Minister Jesse Norman has announced new plans to improve overnight lorry parking and to ease traffic in the event of cross-Channel disruption.

RAC head of roads policy Nicholas Lyes said: “This is broadly positive news for holiday makers and local drivers who have endured years of frustration and delays. Although it may not offer much hope for 2018, it is an interim solution which will begin to ease the problem from next year.

“The most important thing that needs to be addressed is to keep traffic moving safely and to reduce the diversion of traffic onto already congested local routes which these interim plans ultimately should do. It is also welcome that the Government is addressing the necessity for further overnight parking to reduce the need for lorries to use unsuitable local roads and lay-bys.

“All eyes will now be on the consultation for an urgently needed permanent solution to prevent a repeat of the chaos of 2015.”