HOPES are rising that a solution to Operation Stack has been found after county council chiefs met with transport minister and Kent MP Dr Steve Ladyman.

County transport chiefs have identified two potential sites for a semi-permanent lorry park close to the M20, neither of which are on protected land or Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, meaning they could be more easily developed as a lorry park.

KCC said it would not identify either site at this stage to allow talks with other organisations, including local councils to take place.

However, an announcement on the way forward is expected to be made within weeks.

Cllr Keith Ferrin (Con), KCC's cabinet member for transport, said: "I believe we have turned a corner and are on course to seeing the end of Operation Stack. The talks we had were very productive and we are pleased with the outcome."

The Government will also announce the green light for a separate proposal for the Quickchange Moveable Barrier, which is likely to be available earlier than a park.

Dr Ladyman said: "We had a very constructive meeting. Both KCC and I are in agreement about what we need to do and the timescale in which it should happen.

"But we do need to consult with others, like Kent Police and district councils first. But there is common ground over both the short-term solution and the long-term solution."

The moveable system would involve a continuous flexible barrier, made up of one-metre long concrete units, being "unzipped" by a purpose-built lorry along the worst-affected stretches of the M20.

While the costs are high, it could be put in place in under three hours and be used not just as an alternative to Operation Stack but during major roadworks elsewhere.

Installing the system between Junctions 11 and 12 of the M20 near Folkestone has been estimated at £5.2million, with a further £6.9million for the same system between Junctions 8 and 9, between Maidstone and Ashford.