Queues continue on Kent's roads after Channel crossing disruption

The M20 remains closed coastbound between Junctions 8 and 9, and there's warnings of 90-minute waits at the Port of Dover

Author: Cameron HallPublished 22nd Dec 2023

Lorries remain backed up on roads towards Kent's channel crossings as disruption continues following an unexpected strike on Thursday.

Eurotunnel and Eurostar crossings were cancelled at short notice due to the strike by French staff in Calais.

Services resumed on Thursday evening, but the knock-on effect is continuing to cause heavy traffic.

Kent Police are continuing to implement Operation Brock on Friday morning, to help manage the flow of freight traffic crossing the Channel.

It means Junctions 8 and 9 on the M20 remain closed coastbound to allow lorries to park on the carriageway.

The Port of Dover say they're experiencing "exceptionally high traffic", with 90-minute waits to clear the French border.

The Port says only people with advance bookings will able to board a ferry from the port.

Eurotunnel say services are running to schedule - but you should arrive no more than two hours before your departure, and check-in no later than an hour before.

Meanwhile Eurostar have laid on six extra services this weekend - two each on Friday, Saturday and Sunday - to help those who were disrupted.

Today's disruption comes on what's expected to be the busiest day of the festive getaway.

The RAC expect 3 million journeys to be made on the UK's roads - with the M25 between Junctions 7 and 16 expected to be a traffic hotspot.