Operation stack is a procedure that uses parts of the M20 to queue up to 3,000 heavy goods vehicles (HGV's) travelling towards the continent, to avoid gridlock on Kent's roads. It is implemented whenever there is an urgent need to inhibit the flow of freight traffic to the Port of Dover or Channel Tunnel due to capacity restraints.

• Stage 1: Coastbound junctions 8 to 9
• Stage 2: Coastbound junctions 8 to 11
• Stage 3: London bound junctions 9 and 8
• Stage 4: London bound junctions 11 and 8

The routes for tourist traffic will be:

• Dover-bound tourist traffic will be encouraged to use the M2 / A2.
• If already on the M20 Dover-bound tourist traffic may 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 the hollow circle diversion symbol.

Road users affected by Operation Stack are advised to plan ahead and check traffic conditions and advice from travel operators* before setting out; to leave plenty of time for journeys and while on the road to listen to travel news bulletins for latest information. Travellers are urged to particularly look out for local signs and electronic message boards that will guide them to their destinations.

Highways England continues to work hard with partners including Kent County Council and local councils on medium to long term solutions to the disruption.

Source of the Operation Stack Route maps - Highways England Press notice.

Areas of possible congestion at Dover

• Jubilee Way Dover, is a flyover to the approach of the Port of Dover, this is the second main route to the port from the M2/A2, customers will arrive at the main roundabout to the entrance of the port of Dover – Kent Police are here managing the traffic in to the port from the M20/A20 and M2/A2 route.
• Townwall Street Dover, this is the main route into Dover from the M20/A20 this then leads customers to the main roundabout at the entrance of the port of Dover – Kent Police are here managing the traffic in to the port from the M20/A20 and M2/A2 route.
• UKBF/French PAF Passport controls, a number of queues form due to passport checks, sadly DFDS has no control over this and this is one of the reasons we are recommending a 90 minute check-in.
• Security Controls, Port of Dover security have an obligation to check a percentage of customers travelling through the port for safety and security reasons and this is why queues are formed in this area.
• DFDS check-in controls, queues are formed due to the high volumes of traffic travelling with us over this busy holiday period.

Areas of possible congestion at Dunkirk

• UKBF/French PAF Passport controls, a number of queues form due to passport checks, sadly DFDS has no control over this and this is one of the reasons we are recommending a 90 minute check-in.
• Security Controls, Port of Dunkirk security have an obligation to check a percentage of customers travelling through the port for safety and security reasons and this is why queues are formed in this area.
• DFDS check-in controls, queues are formed due to the high volumes of traffic travelling with us over this busy holiday period.

Areas of possible congestion at Calais

• UKBF/French PAF Passport controls, a number of queues form due to passport checks, sadly DFDS has no control over this and this is one of the reasons we are recommending a 90 minute check-in.
• Security Controls, Port of Calais security have an obligation to check a percentage of customers travelling through the port for safety and security reasons and this is why queues are formed in this area.
• DFDS check-in controls, queues are formed due to the high volumes of traffic travelling with us over this busy holiday period.

Please be assured our port staff are doing their upmost to ensure a quick and efficient check-in whilst trying to keep the delays to our services to a minimum. All check-in booths are open and we highly recommend to allow 90 minutes to complete passport & check-in controls.