KENT Police are urging motorists to avoid the M20 coastbound carriageway and surrounding area which has been affected by the implementation of Operation Stack.

Adverse weather conditions yesterday led to phase one of Operation Stack being introduced at junction 11 at Hythe to junction 12 at Folkestone on the coastbound carriageway of the M20.

During Operation Stack, freight traffic queues between junctions on the carriageway whilst non freight traffic is diverted onto the A20.

As lorries continue to join the queue of traffic at approximately 220 vehicles per hour, officers expect delays to continue through the rush hour period this evening and into tomorrow morning.

Early this afternoon phase two of Operation Stack was implemented after industrial action in France this morning prevented sailings from Dover which has subsequently caused further backlogs.

Phase 2 closes the M20 between junction 8 (Leeds Castle near Maidstone) to 9 (Ashford) on the coastbound carriageway, again with diversions in place along the A20.

Assistant Chief Constable Allyn Thomas said: "Although sailings are now running and there is no delay in travelling via the tunnel, the backlog of traffic is causing considerable congestion in the area.

"Every effort is being made to clear the current queue of freight traffic but as more lorries join the queue, delays will continue overnight.

"We ask that motorists avoid the area to help reduce congestion and we ask that those who intend on travelling across to France check with their travel operators and listen to travel updates through local media."

Kent Police will continue to monitor the situation with partner agencies.