Operation Stack has returned for the second time in a week, and again as a result of industrial action from ferry workers in France. This strike has closed the Port of Calais and also, once more, affected services through the Channel Tunnel. I think it is incredible that strike action in France can lead to the complete closure of Calais for several days, causing massive disruptions in Kent. It is impossible to think of any action of this kind in the UK that would be allowed to close Dover or the Tunnel for such a lengthy period and gives the impression that the French authorities are either too weak or simply unable to deal with the protesters.
Whenever the Stack restrictions are put in place on Kent's roads it causes major disruptions and delays. These are made worse if both the Tunnel and Port are closed, something that should only really happen in rare and exceptional circumstances. One of the most concerning aspects of the disruptions last week was the breach in security at the French end of the Tunnel. This was a direct result of the authorities losing control of the situation and allowing the rampaging strikers to break through the perimeter fencing and occupy some of the rail tracks. This simply should never be allowed to happen. The French authorities have a duty to make sure that their entrance and exit to the Tunnel is secure and that services can run without interruption, even when there is a strike at the Port.
The UK government has provided £12million in support to France to help improve security in Calais, and this week the Home Office has announced that it will be supplying two miles of high security fencing to help secure the Channel Tunnel entrance at Coquelles. We have been prepared to do our bit to help, but the main responsibility lies with the authorities in France.
The chaos at the French end of the tunnel last week, led to a greater level of disruption in Kent than should have been necessary. With the threat of further French strikes this summer it again raises the question about the costs of Operation Stack. In 2014 our government introduced a charging scheme for foreign lorries, so that they are now required to pay a fee to drive on our roads. If we are going to have more incidents of Operation Stack over the coming months, we should look at potentially increasing this charge in order to cover more of these costs.
We are already investing in improving our resilience to Operation Stack, by providing more off road lorry parking. Hundreds of spaces are being built now at the Port of Dover and the Channel Tunnel entrance, and there is space for more capacity at the motorway services at junction 11 of the M20. Shepway and Ashford councils are also going to be introducing a scheme to fine and clamp lorries that are parked illegally and causing a public hazard.
