Operation Stack: 'Government will pay Kent costs'

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

Extra costs of policing Operation Stack during the Calais crisis will be met by the government, Kent's Police and Crime Commissioner has said.

Ann Barnes said she had received a personal assurance from Home Office officials that costs, which could run into millions of pounds, would be paid.

"I am really pleased. All reasonable additional costs will be paid and that's good news," she said.

The M20 has been closed for Operation Stack on 28 days since 23 June.

'Close to millions'

Kent Police use the motorway as a lorry park when Channel crossings are disrupted by weather, migrant activity or strikes in France.

Ms Barnes said she could not put a final figure on the amount she would claim from the government because the Calais crisis was not yet over.

"We are talking close to millions - it depends what the summer brings," she said.

In a letter to the transport secretary on 29 July, she said Operation Stack had cost Kent Police more than £700,000 to date.

The Home Office said the government recognised the situation in Kent put pressure on local services and the public.

"Kent Police have not yet submitted an application to be reimbursed the costs of the policing operation but we have made clear that if they do any bid will be looked at very carefully," it said in a statement.

Ann Barnes said in July Operation Stack had cost Kent Police more than £700,000

Plans to use disused Manston Airport to relieve pressure on the M20 during Operation Stack were announced on Tuesday.

Highways England has now published details of how freight and tourist traffic will be routed round Kent.

Dover-bound freight will be diverted via Manston, but lorries bound for the Eurotunnel at Folkestone will remain on the M20.

Highways England said Manston would be used alongside Operation Stack, which would still close the coastbound M20.