Operation Brock announced ahead of busy May travel period
- Kent Resilience Forum
- 6 hours ago
- 2 min read
Operation Brock will be deployed in anticipation of a high numbers of tourists passing through Kent ahead of the late May bank holiday and half term getaway, the Kent and Medway Resilience Forum (KMRF) has confirmed.
The Operation Brock contraflow system will be in place on the coastbound M20 between Junctions 8 & 9 with a reduced speed limit to create dedicated lanes for HGVs to queue, if needed.
Work to install the barrier will take place on the evening of Tuesday 19th May, and the M20 will reopen on Wednesday 20th May. The barrier is planned to be removed overnight on Tuesday 26th May, with the motorway reopening as normal on Wednesday 27th May.
Acting as a pressure valve to minimise the impact of congestion further down the motorway, Operation Brock allows traffic to use the M20 in both directions through a contraflow system. It also reduces the risk of having to close the Roundhill Tunnel near Folkestone, which can cause disruption on local roads and impact local communities.
The KMRF will also have Lydden Hill Race Circuit available as a last resort contingency site for passenger traffic. The site can be used during a major disruptive event and would provide authorities with a safe offroad area that passenger traffic could temporarily use on route to Dover. The site would only be used in the event of an extreme scenario where it would be necessary to support fluidity in Kent and provide a safe rest location for travellers.
KMRF Strategic Lead for Border Disruption, Simon Jones, said: “Based on the data we have been given on expected travel numbers from Kent’s portals, the KMRF has taken the decision to deploy Operation Brock.
“We understand this decision is not always popular, and we do not take this step lightly.
“Our priority is ensuring everyone’s safety. These measures combined with traffic management officers and partner resources will help to keep Kent moving during the busy getaway period.”
The KMRF is advising drivers to check their route before setting off, allow extra time for the journey and pack the car with essentials including food, water, medication and anything else you or your passengers may need if caught in traffic.
ENDS
Further information
· A good place to start is KCC’s Check Before You Travel page
· National Highways travel updates can be found here
· Weather forecasts, warnings and information from the Met Office can be found here
Comments