The Prime Minister has not ruled out government funding to help solve the problems caused by Operation Stack.

Mr Cameron was pressed about the issue today by Dover MP Charlie Elphicke during Prime Minister's Questions.

He urged the Prime Minister to consider using money from the new government charge on HGVs coming into the UK from the continent to pay for new lorry parks and other schemes.

He said: “In recent weeks, Dover and east Kent have suffered greatly owing to problems caused at Dover Port and the Channel Tunnel. Will the Prime Minister support funding for a long term solution and use HGV funds to help?”

In his reply, Mr Cameron acknowledged the disruption Operation Stack caused to the area and an immediate investigation was being carried out to review “contingency arrangements” on the A20 and M20, as well as along the M2 and A2.

“It is important that we learn lessons from this recent incident and if the report comes up with suggestions, we will look at them properly,” he said.

The HGV road levy has already raised some £7.6m since its introduction in April last year.
The levy applies to HGVs of 12 tonnes or over, and the government says money raised will contribute to upkeep of roads across the UK.

Hauliers who do not pay the fee can be fined £300.

Kent County Council recently revealed that it was to reconsider plans for a "super-sized" lorry park for between 1,500 to 3,000 HGVs but on a site near Westenhangar, Folkestone.

It follows the recent disruption caused by one of the longest periods in which Operation Stack has been in place. HGVs were parked on the M20 for five days.