Operation Stack could come into force as workers at the Port of Dover start a 48-hour strike tomorrow.

Hauliers, lorry drivers and motorists are being urged by Kent Police to consider whether their journeys are absolutely necessary and to avoid travelling where possible should the strike go ahead.

People living around the Ashford and Maidstone areas are being asked to consider alternatives to avoid being caught in congestion.

Workers belonging to the union Unite are planning their action from 7am tomorrow (Tuesday) until 7am on Thursday.

They are taking the action in protest to plans to transfer nearly 200 jobs to third party companies.

The volume of freight travelling through Kent on its way to continental Europe is usually at its peak in midweek so Kent Police may choose to put in both phases of Stack at the same time.

But Dover Harbour Board is confident the port can still operate the majority of services despite the action.

Assistant Chief Constable Allyn Thomas said: “People living, working or regularly travelling in Kent know from experience to try to stagger journeys, car share, work from home or not make a trip unless it is absolutely necessary.

“We would particularly appeal to hauliers and lorry drivers to plan their schedules around this intended strike if at all possible.

“It will prevent you being delayed for some considerable time should Operation Stack be introduced.”

Meanwhile Dover Harbour Board Chief Executive Bob Goldfield has invited ACAS to try to arrange talks to help end the dispute.

A meeting took place on Friday between ACAS and Dover Harbour Board management.

Mr Goldfield said the request to ACAS to act as a go-between was a demonstration of the board’s willingness and flexibility to consult on terms and conditions for the staff transfers.

“For the sake of our workforce, someone must break this unnecessary impasse and we are taking the initiative to do just that by bringing in ACAS,” said Mr Goldfield.

“This will not be arbitration but a move that hopefully will see both parties engaged in meaningful discussions and should be a major step forward.”