Proposed solutions to Operation Stack will be presented to the government in April following a summit at the House of Commons.

The meeting was called by KCC earlier this month after Operation Stack turned the M20 in to a giant car park.

Attending were local MPs, haulage industry representatives, business leaders, the Port of Dover, Eurotunnel, Kent Police, Highways Agency, ferry companies and local authorities.

KCC says work has already begun work on the document, which is set to propose alternatives to Operation Stack, aimed at avoiding gridlock across the south of the county and massive disruption to thousands of residents and businesses.

Assistant Chief Constable Jo Shiner, Kent Police, who is leading one area of work, said: “We welcome any progress in finding a permanent solution to the management of road freight, which reduces the need to invoke Operation Stack.

"We recognise this causes disruption to both the residents of Kent and those travelling through the county. The impact of Stack is felt throughout Kent and further afield."