Operation Stack: Junctions 8-11 on M20 closed

Lorries waiting to cross the Channel park on the M20 under Operation Stack

A closure of the M20 in Kent has been extended by police who are dealing with congestion caused by lorries waiting to cross the Channel.

The motorway is now shut coastbound from junctions eight at Hollingbourne to 11 at Hythe, police said.

While the situation is being monitored, Operation Stack is expected to continue throughout the day.

Diversions are in place for non-freight traffic and motorists have been advised to allow extra time.

The Port of Dover is open with a full service operating to Calais with P&O Ferries, and a full service to Dunkerque with DFDS Seaways.

'Intolerable'

Earlier this week, the government said the situation on Kent's roads had become "intolerable" because of the congestion.

Transport minister Robert Goodwill told Parliament several options were being looked at to deal with delays, partly caused by disruption at Calais.

Last month thousands of lorries were stuck on the motorway in the worst disruption, caused by strikes at Calais.

Kent Police has said lorry drivers who use diversions for non-freight traffic in an attempt to get closer to the front of the queue will be sent to the back of Operation Stack.