OPERATION Stack is being implemented on the M20 tonight because of a backlog of freight trying to use the Channel ports.

The coast bound carriageway between junctions 11 (Hythe) and 12 (Folkestone) are being closed and used to manage freight traffic.

Kent Police is urging motorists to avoid the area if at all possible and local traffic is being diverted onto the A20.

The advice is if you’re travelling coastbound on the M20 and you’re heading home leave the motorway at junction 10 at Ashford and join the A20.

Traffic is flowing on the London bound stretches of the motorway.

The Highways Agency is helping police manage traffic.

Stack is being implemented because of a combination of factors. A serious collision on the M20 between junctions 8 and 9 earlier today caused traffic congestion.

In addition poor weather is affecting Channel ferry crossings from Dover docks, though the harbour board says the weather outlook is forecast to improve later this evening.

Eurotunnel had some delays earlier but are continuing to handle traffic.

It is the third time Operation Stack has been implemented by Kent Police this year.