Operation Brock to be deployed for Spring Bank Holiday and May half term

The Kent and Medway Resilience Forum (KMRF) has confirmed the Operation Brock contraflow system will be set out on the M20 in anticipation of high passenger numbers heading through Kent to Europe over the May half term and Spring Bank Holiday.

The decision to use this traffic management measure is made collectively by the KMRF, a partnership of agencies including Kent Police, Kent County Council and National Highways. The decision to deploy Op Brock is driven by intelligence showing increased cross-channel bookings for tourist traffic.

The barrier installation creates a dedicated lane for HGVs to queue, if needed, between Junctions 8 & 9 of the M20. It will be activated on Thursday 22nd May, after work to install it overnight on Wednesday 21st May. It will be removed overnight on Tuesday 27th May, with the motorway reopening as normal on Wednesday 28th 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.

KMRF Strategic Lead for border disruption, Simon Jones, said: “We do not take the decision to use Operation Brock without having clear data of increased border crossings to inform our planning.  

“Until the government agrees permanent, long-term solutions to tackle disruption on Kent’s roads and delays at the border during busy periods, Operation Brock is the only option available to the KMRF.”

Meanwhile, should traffic start to build at the Port of Dover and/or Eurotunnel, 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 up in traffic.

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