New arrangements for 'Operation Stack' are to be introduced on the A14 approaching the Port of Felixstowe on 6th March 2008. 'Operation Stack' is the name given to the traffic management plan used by Suffolk Police and other agencies when, as a result of restrictions at the Port of Felixstowe, traffic builds up on the A14.

Although port restrictions occur for a variety of reasons, the main cause is high winds, which prevent safe operations at the Port's container terminals. Initially, when the Port is closed, container vehicles are queued or 'stacked' in the on-port holding areas. However, when these areas are full and traffic begins queuing on the A14, 'Operation Stack' is implemented to help manage this traffic.

The current arrangements for 'Operation Stack' involve container vehicles being stacked on Port of Felixstowe Road the last section of the A14 before arrival at the Port. From 6th March 2008, the location of the first phase of 'Operation Stack' will be moved to the old A45 at Levington. Vehicles travelling to the Port of Felixstowe will be notified that 'Operation Stack' has been implemented by advanced warning signs along the various routes leading to Felixstowe. Paul Davey, Head of Corporate Affairs at Hutchison Ports (UK) Limited, which owns the Port of Felixstowe, commented:

'It had become apparent that the existing arrangements for 'Operation Stack' were unsatisfactory, and needed to be revised. Holding stationary traffic adjacent to a 'live' lane represents an unacceptable danger to police officers, highway workers, hauliers and other road users.'

He added:

'Although disruptions are rare, and our container terminals are open 98% of the time, the current system can also cause congestion and has, in the past, led to occasional, but significant, disruption on the A14 and on local roads in and around Felixstowe. We have, therefore, worked in partnership with Suffolk Police, the Highways Agency, local councils and other stakeholders, to agree these new arrangements.'

The Port of Felixstowe and Highways Agency have produced leaflets to inform haulage companies and members of the local community of the new arrangements. Public information events, providing information on the new plans, will also be held on Saturday 15th March 2008 in Hamilton Road, Felixstowe, from 10am to 4pm, and at Levington Parish Hall on Tuesday 18th March 2008, from 12pm to 8pm. The events will be attended by representatives from the Highways Agency, Suffolk Police, the Port of Felixstowe and Suffolk County Council.