THERE has been mixed news for motorists, businesses and residents in the county hoping for a permanent solution to the chronic delays and disruption caused by Operation Stack.

After another week of congestion in towns and along the motorway network, it has emerged that a revolutionary multi-million pound barrier aimed at easing delays along the M20 is in the pipeline - but will not be ready until the summer.

Rising costs

Meanwhile, a county council plan for a semi-permanent lorry park off the M20 could be closer to fruition - but the estimated costs have risen by £15million to £35million and it still could take up to two-and-a-half years before it is ready.

The Government announced last year its plans to invest £12.6million in what is known as a Quick Moveable Barrier for a section of the motorway between Junction 11 and 12.

The Highways Agency says the 8km-long barrier, which will be used to implement a contra-flow along the motorway and keep traffic moving in two lanes rather than being diverted on to the A20, should be in place later this summer.

Kent County Council road chiefs met with transport minister Tom Harris to discuss separate plans for a semi-permanent lorry park along the M20.

The county council described the talks as helpful but now estimates the costs of creating a lorry park to be in the region of £35million - £15million more than had been speculated.

'Brit disc'

The council said the increase was because the costs of slip roads off the M20 to give access to the park had risen and because the park would have to be fully concreted.

Council chiefs want the costs of the park to be met by introducing a 'Brit disc' charge on foreign lorries.

Cllr Keith Ferrin (Con), KCC cabinet member for highways, said: "The meeting with Tom Harris went very well and he was very helpful.

"The lorry park will provide huge relief for people in east Kent. We have lobbied for some time and at last it looks as if we can go forward."

But he sounded a note of caution when he said the funding arrangements "had not been finalised".