THE Chief Constable of Kent wants to see an end to Operation Stack. Mike Fuller said the existing method of dealing with the backlog of trucks waiting to cross the Channel was "a huge drain" on police resources.

Mr Fuller said: “It’s not something we want to do, nor something we do lightly."

Operation Stack was introduced in Kent 20 years ago. Phase 1 of Stack - the closure of the M20 between junctions 11 and 12 - has been resorted to 74 times; phase 2 - the closure additionally of the motorway between junctions 8 and 9 - has been implemented 17 times.

In the last three years, Stack has cost Kent Police £232,689 directly in overtime and extra equipment costs alone.

Mr Fuller added: "We are desperate for the highways authorities to come up with a solution."

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