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Operation Brock returns on M20 ahead of bank holiday weekend – all you need to know
The Operation Brock contraflow has returned on the M20 today (May 21) ahead of the bank holiday weekend. The controversial traffic holding system has been deployed as high passenger numbers are expected to travel to mainland Europe from Kent, according to the Kent Resilience Forum (KRF).
Operation Brock is part of a series of measures to improve “Kent’s resilience and ensure the smooth flow of traffic” through the region in the event of disruption to services across the Channel. It means a 50mph speed limit will be in place between Junction 8 for Maidstone and Junction 9 for Ashford.
The M20 was closed between those junctions overnight on Thursday (May 18) and again last night (May 20) for the system to be deployed. It is now in place, and has been since 6am this morning (May 21).
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The system enables strict management of HGVs on the M20, acting as a pressure valve to minimise the impact of congestion further down the motorway, whilst allowing traffic to continue in both directions through the contraflow system. The decision by the KRF, made up of a group of organisations and agencies including Kent County Council and Kent Police in conjunction with National Highways, has been driven by significantly increased cross channel bookings for tourist traffic over the Whitsun Bank Holiday weekend.
The ongoing closures of the Roundhill Tunnel on the A20 at Folkestone has also led to the decision of bringing back Operation Brock. KFR said without it, potential delays at the Port of Dover could have a knock-on effect on the surrounding roads and can impact traffic flow into the Eurotunnel terminal.
KRF strategic lead, Simon Jones, said: “The passenger forecasts from both Eurotunnel and the Port of Dover indicate an extremely busy period for cross channel traffic over the Bank Holiday weekend at the end of May. This also coincides with schools in the UK breaking up for half term, and we know that many families will be heading across the channel to enjoy holidays in Europe.
“The KRF decision to install Brock to deal with any delays has not been taken lightly. It is informed by data from the cross-channel providers and the Department for Transport, and the contraflow will help to minimise any disruption if any delays occur.
“Our aim is always to do everything we can to get people to where they want to be as safely and as quickly as possible. Until more permanent solutions are found to tackle disruption on Kent roads and access to the Port of Dover, Operation Brock is the only tool we have to keep traffic moving through the county.”
All HGVs heading for the Port of Dover or Eurotunnel must follow the signs to join Operation Brock at M20 Junction 8. Any EU-bound HGVs not complying with signage and trying to use another route to Eurotunnel or the Port of Dover risk a fine of £300.
They will also be sent to the back of the queue by police or enforcement agents, wasting time, fuel and money. This includes trying to bypass the M20 by using the M2/A2 at Brenley Corner.
Sean Martell, National Highways’ head of service delivery, said: “Ensuring the smooth flow of traffic through Kent is a top priority and we, along with our fellow Kent Resilience Forum partners, have taken the joint decision to activate the Operation Brock contraflow from the morning of Sunday, May 21.
“While we understand this won’t be welcome news for some, the decision was made taking several factors into consideration, including expected high passenger numbers, particularly coaches. The crucial thing about the contraflow system is that it keeps Kent open and traffic moving in all but the most extreme circumstances.”
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