Article For Folkestone Herald and Kentish Express

24 March 2005

Many people have written to me with a justifiable sense of anger about Operation Stack. I share their concerns. It is outrageous that the whole of our local road system should be gummed up every time there is a problem with the operation of the ferries or Eurotunnel.

I have been campaigning for something to be done for years. The only complete solution would be the construction of a lorry park to which vehicles could be diverted while they are waiting so that the M20 would no longer have to be used for that purpose. Unfortunately there are two hurdles that would have to be surmounted before this solution could be implemented. The first is finding a site for the lorry park which would probably not be welcomed by any residents in the vicinity of that site. The second is money which the Government has resolutely refused to provide.

I will continue with my efforts to find a long term solution to the problem. Meanwhile, the decision of Kent Police to operate a contra-flow system is to be welcomed. I hope it helps.

There are two other steps which I have taken. At the heart of the concept of the European Union is the single market and the right to move goods from one member state to another. It seems to me that the failure of the French Government to take action to deal with the problems at Calais could well be regarded as in breach of its obligation under European law.

I have therefore asked Shepway District Council to obtain legal advice on the prospect of suing either the Port of Calais or the French Government or both to seek compensation for the loss and inconvenience suffered by local residents as a result of Operation Stack. I am also writing to the Secretary of State for Transport, Alistair Darling, to ask him to consider the possibility of the Government taking similar action.

I believe that no stone should be left unturned in relation to this matter and am determined to do all I can to obtain redress for my constituents and ultimately, to obtain a long term solution for this most frustrating of problems.