Plans to put Operation Stack into force on the M20 today have been cancelled, Kent Police said today.

Officers were preparing to begin the first stages of implementing phase one due to industrial action in Calais at 7am.

But early this morning they revealed the operation would not take place..

Operation Stack is where parts of the M20 are used to queue lorries that are travelling towards the continent, to avoid causing gridlock across Kent's road network.

It is only introduced after consultation with other agencies and implemented following a thorough assessment of issues, including safety concerns and disruption on the road network.

Phase One is where the M20 is closed coastbound between junction 11, the Hythe turn-off, and junction 12, the Cheriton turn-off at Folkestone.

All coastbound traffic has to leave the motorway at junction 11.

Lorries are allowed back down on the motorway where they park between the two junctions. All other traffic is diverted onto the A20.

Motorists are advised to avoid the area unless their journey is absolutely necessary.