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downsmail.co.uk Manston plan to solve Stack
THE use of Manston Airfield should ease local traffic congestion, according to the Government. The decision to make temporary
use of the disused airfield near Ramsgate while Operation Stack is in force follows a series of meetings involving the Government, High- ways England, Kent Police, KCC and representatives for the ports, Eurotunnel, and lorry drivers. Operation Stack is implemented
when problems at the Port of Calais lead to delays on ferry services and a backlog of lorries, which force the closure of the M20, usually coast- bound from junction 8 near Hollingbourne. Prior to the Manston decision, Operation Stack had closed the M20 on 27 days this summer, caus- ing gridlock throughout the Maid- stone area. The idea of a contraflow, offering coastbound motorists access to the M20 on the London-bound car- riageway, had been seen as a likely solution. But Highways England had rejected the idea as “too dan- gerous”. It says using Manston’s runway,
when required, as an alternative for freight traffic will provide short- term additional capacity to help manage freight traffic on itsway to the Port of Dover. It says it will work alongsideOp- eration Stack to reduce disruption on the M20, with holiday-makers “clearly sign-posted” to the ports and tunnel, and perishable, health and hazardous freight, including livestock “routed directly to the Channel Tunnel and Dover” rather than being stacked. Transport minister Lord Ahmad described the decision to use Manston as a “viable short-term so- lution”. He said: “By using Manston Air- field we have secured an interim
solution while we work to find a longer term resolution.” The deputy chief constable of
Kent, Paul Brandon, said:“We have been in a critical situation in Kent since the middle of June and, in that time the situation in Kent has been acknowledged as a very real, national issue. “The option to divert freight
bound for Europe to Manston Air- field, whilst very challenging, has become more feasible in terms of resourcing and logistics.” KCC leader Paul Carter said:
“Our principal concern has been to keep Kent moving.”
How scheme will work
HowManston Airfield will be used when Operation Stack is in force: 1. All freight will first be stacked coastbound between M20 junctions 8 (Maidstone Services) and 9 (Ashford), and this section will be closed to non-freight traffic. 2. Ifmore space is needed the closed section will be extended to junction 11 (Westenhanger). 3. “When required” (says Highways England), certain “non perishable” freight will be diverted and stacked at Manston Airfield, near Ramsgate, until it can be directed to ferry services at Dover.
WHEN MANSTON AIRFIELD IS IN USE Freight
Dover-bound freight coming from the west will use the M20 to junction 7 (Maidstone), where it will be diverted via the A249, M2, and A299 to Manston. Dover-bound freight coming from the north (Dartford Crossing) will use the A2, M2 and A299 to Manston. From Manston, freight will use the A256 and A2 to Dover. Channel Tunnel-bound freight will stay on the M20.
Tourists
Dover-bound tourist traffic will be encouraged to use the A2,M2and A2. If already on the M20, Dover-bound tourist traffic will be diverted off at junction 7 (Maidstone) and via the A249, M2, and A2 to Dover. Channel Tunnel-bound tourist traffic will use the M20 and A20 following signs marked with a hollow circle diversion symbol. Highways England says routes will be clearly signed and key sites manned, with vehicle recovery resources at strategic points.
Camp site delight for Detling show-goers
THE Kent Agricultural Society, which runs the Detling show- ground, has unveiled improved facilities for show-goers who opt to camp or caravan close to the venue. The site – less than a minute’s
walk from the showground – has proved so popular that the society sought permission to upgrade its facilities. Scragged Oak Caravan Park
now offers new showers and toi- lets, a new reception area, laun- drette and a shop – all part of a £150,000 investment. It follows
multi-million pound improve- ments, offering increased confer- ence and event space, at the Kent Event Centre in recent years. The Mayor of Maidstone, Cllr Daniel Moriaty, who officially opened the site, spoke highly of the initiative and said he believed it would be a perfect base for visi- tors touring the area. The site, open from March 1 to October 31, is set in woodland on the North Downs and has 80 pitches, many with electric hook- up. It is managed by wardens Harry Flavell and Jan Perry.
Kent County Agricultural Society fi- nance director Glyn Charlton (left) and vice-chairman James Forkhall, with Maidstone mayor Cllr Daniel Moriarty at the opening of the re- furbished camp site close to the Detling showground
High price of traffic chaos
MP Helen Whately has revealed the extent of local problems caused by Operation Stack. The Mid Kent MP said: “Visiting Maidstone Hospital I heard about midwives whose journeys to work are taking two or three hours in- stead of their usual 20 minutes. Pregnant women are worrying how they will get to the hospital in time when they go into labour. “I have had letters from busi-
nesses unable to pay wages be- cause customers have stopped coming. Leeds Castle is seeing a huge hit, and funeral services say mourners are missing services; I could go on, but I suspect almost everyone reading this knows how bad the situation is.” She called for compensation to
those in Kent who had lost money, including police (more than £1m lost), social services (more than £5m) and businesses (£1.5m each day Stack is implemented). A spokesman for Leeds Castle,
which is located off M20 J8, said: “Due to Operation Stack, we are approximately 30% down on bud- geted visitor figures which trans- lates as roughly £90,000 income loss for the charity.”
Survey request
BUSINESSES are being asked to complete a survey to let the Gov- ernment know the full cost to Kent commerce of Operation Stack. Ahandful of questions quiz busi-
nesses about their concerns and ask bosses what should be done about the ongoing problem. Responses will contribute to a
joint KCC and British Chamber of Commerce report to ministers. To complete the survey go to
www.surveymonkey.com/s/Oper- ation_Stack.
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www.downsmail.co.uk Maidstone East September 2015
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