Stop Stack!

That is the unequivocal message from Kent Police after the operation cost it £2million in 2008/2009.

Ann Barnes, chair of the police authority, said high costs were incurred when police introduced Operation Stack (parking lorries on the M20), either as a result of industrial disputes at ferry ports or extreme weather in the Channel.

She said: "I think it’s shocking that police time is being spent babysitting foreign lorry drivers. It’s grossly unfair that our police council taxpayers here in Kent have to pay for this. But from a safety perspective we have no choice."

The costs arose when police officers were taken off their normal duties, called in from rest days, and paid overtime.

Before the M20 was used for the operation, the A2 at Lydden was the victim, with a much less serious effect on Kent as a whole.

Mrs Barnes said: "No-one has taken any responsibility for Operation Stack. This is not a local problem, but a national one. Our officers should be in our communities and out in our neighbourhoods keeping people safe and doing what we pay them to do.

"I live in South Kent where Operation Stack blights everyday life. It adds hours onto the day and impacts on children being taken to school, getting to and from hospital appointments, and going to work. The surrounding villages become clogged up with traffic and litter is left. It is a problem that is not going to get better but worse.

"Without Kent Police, Operation Stack would grind the county to a halt. The economic impact would be enormous. We are reliant on the dedication and professionalism of our police officers. But we can’t go on like this. There needs to be a long-term solution."