Operation Stack, in force earlier today, was lifted prior to the evening rush hour.

The measures were in force for most of the day because of industrial action in Calais.

Phase 2 of Operation Stack was introduced at 10am.

As part of the operation, all non-freight traffic was forced to leave the M20 at J8, but because capacity at Dover was higher than expected, motorists were immediately directed back onto the motorway.

Normally, freight traffic is told to queue on the M20 coast-bound between J8 and J9.

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 as an emergency measure.

Passengers travelling through Dover have also been warned to expect delays of up to 90 minutes.

It comes after the strike action started in Calais, which led to an adverse impact on ferry services and capacity at Dover.

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