M26 could become a lorry park

A MAJOR motorway in the South East will be closed every night for almost six weeks so it can be turned into a giant lorry park if Britain leaves the EU without a deal.

The M2 in Kent – used by freight traffic heading for Dover and Folkestone – is to be converted in case of extra customs checks for HGVs crossing the Channel.

Similar work is being done on the nearby M20. News of the M2 closures, which begin from Monday, caused fury among MPs yesterday as it emerged residents had not been consulted.

Kent MP Tom Tugendhat said: ‘I was assured the works were not planned and only [on Wednesday] was it confirmed to me that Highways England had said that is exactly what was planned.’