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SeaFrance ferry strike disrupts port of Dover

March 5th 2008
SeaFrance ferry The port of Dover is once again being affected by a strike by SeaFrance officers in Calais, leading to Operation Stack being implemented on the M20 in Kent.

A statement on the SeaFrance website reads: “SeaFrance regrets to inform you that due to industrial action by Officers, all crossings are currently suspended. Passengers travelling during the early part of this week are requested to call SeaFrance on 0871 22 22 500 for details.

The SeaFrance strike began last week and, although workers are in talks with management, shows no sign of ending. Unions in France are asking for a pay rise which amounts to around 25% over three years.

SeaFrance says it is booking passengers onto crossings with other ferry operators at the port of Dover. Only SeaFrance ferries are affected by the strike action but passengers travelling with other ferry operators are also advised to check that their ferry is not disrupted.

As a result of the SeaFrance strike, Kent Police have once again implemented Operation Stack on the M20 in Kent. The coast bound M20 is now closed between junction 8 for Leeds Castle and junction 9 for Ashford, and between junction 11 for Hythe and junction 12 for Cheriton.

Lorries are being parked on the sections of the motorway that have been closed. All non-freight traffic is being diverted onto the A20 at junction 8. Last night long queues were reported on the A20 and motorists are being advised to avoid the area.

While Operation Stack is being implemented the major roadworks on the A20 in Dover between the Eastern Docks and Western Heights roundabout have been suspended.

Outside the times when Operation Stack is in force, motorists travelling to the port of Dover are advised to allow extra time to get to the ferry because of the roadworks on the A20 near the ferry terminals.

Written by: Nick Purdom

 

Photographer: Ian Britton

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