New park proposed for Operation Stack

EFFORTS are under way to find a permanent solution to the problem of Operation Stack - and it could mean a 40-acre lorry park being built next to the A14.

EFFORTS are under way to find a permanent solution to the problem of Operation Stack - and it could mean a 40-acre lorry park being built next to the A14.

Port chiefs, police, county council and Highways Agency officials say the new system of parking trucks on the old A45 at Levington when the Port of Felixstowe is closed due to strong winds is only a temporary solution.

They would like to find a permanent answer to the problem in the next two to three years - and may seek government funding for the work.

Sources say the most likely solution is a massive lorry park just off the dual carriageway, probably somewhere in the Bucklesham area although sites are still being looked at close to the port.

However, there are concerns over turning a field into a massive tarmac area which will be only used a dozen times a year and how unsightly that would look.

One suggestion has been to use concrete blocks which the grass could grow through, but this might not meet regulations because of the possibility of oil leaking from vehicles which would contaminate the land.

Head of corporate affairs at the port Paul Davey said: “The old A45 at Levington is only a temporary place for Operation Stack and we will need to find a permanent solution.

“Some work has already started on this and the partnership group will meet over the next few months to see where we go from here and look at various options.

“It is too early to say what might happen, but we would be willing to listen to and consider any workable solutions people might suggest.”

County council officials say they would like to find a site for a lorry park as close to the port as possible. They are not keen to work with the Orwell Truckstop because it is a commercial venture with drivers having to pay for its services.

They are also working with other authorities outside Suffolk to see if lorry parking sites could be provided alongside the main roads away from the county so that with early warning of windy weather drivers might park up sooner.

Villagers at Levington have given a mixed reaction to the use of the old A45.

While they pleased with the clean-up operation afterwards, many are still unhappy at the congestion caused at junctions in the village with motorists having to seek other ways in and out.

Where do you think the lorries should be parked? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail EveningStarLetters@eveningstar.co.uk