There's good news for motorists as the evening rush-hour approaches.

Kent Police have this afternoon lifted phase two of Operation Stack and re-opened the M20 between Hollingbourne and Ashford. Their decision comes after French port operators lifted their strike at midday today.

Phase one of Operation Stack remains in force currently, while the police clear the back-log of HGVs waiting for ferries to Calais and Boulogne.

Phase one involves the closure of the coastbound carriageway of the M20 between Junctions 11 at Hythe and Junction 12 at Cheriton. However a contraflow system is in operation on the London-bound carriagway.

There is a threat still looming over tomorrow. The French are meeting at lunchtime to consider whether to re-impose their strike. If they do, Operation Stack could be back again on Thursday afternoon.