Eurostar travelling alongside the M20 on its way to Eurotunnel Photo: SCOPIX
KENT – The Operation Brock traffic management system has returned to the M20 this week to manage anticipated cross-Channel holiday congestion.
Crews installed the 13-mile contraflow barrier overnight between Junctions 8 and 9 and the motorway has reopened with a reduced speed limit, diverting normal traffic through the contraflow lanes while reserving dedicated lanes for Europe-bound freight.
The Kent and Medway Resilience Forum defended the proactive deployment as a necessary step to prevent local gridlock during the busy half-term getaway. Officials warned that freight drivers who bypass the M20 queue to use local roads face immediate fines.
National Highways plans to remove the barrier overnight on May 26, provided there are no major border delays. Motorists are advised to check conditions, allow extra travel time, and carry essential supplies.