The Freight Transport Association (FTA) has welcomed chancellor George Osborne's announcement of more funding for Operation Stack. 

Mr Osborne unveiled the additional finance in the Autumn Statement, specifying that £250 million will support the construction of new facilities in Kent to solve problems caused over the summer. 

"We are delighted that the chancellor has recognised the devastating impact of Operation Stack on the logistics industry and its customers and we look forward to developing a permanent solution with purpose-built facilities," commented FTA director of policy Karen Dee.

However, the FTA also noted that some funding cuts have put vital areas of spending at risk and could undermine any progress. 

A 37 per cent cut to the Department for Transport's resource budget was described as being a very significant one by Ms Dee. 

Spending areas such as the Mode Shift Revenue Support Grant could now be at risk - and this is vital finance for the encouragement of freight onto rail.