Key Highlights
- Operation Brock is set to return on a major motorway in Kent for the Christmas season.
- Lorries bound for Dover will queue on one side of the M20 to manage traffic flow.
- The initiative aims to prevent large backlogs and maintain local road safety during peak travel weeks.
- Authorities are advising motorists to plan ahead, with possible delays expected.
The Return of Operation Brock: Managing Christmas Traffic on the M20
A major motorway in Kent is set to face a return of Operation Brock, an infamous traffic management system that has caused significant disruptions for drivers heading to and from Dover during peak travel periods. This initiative will be enforced next week, starting December 15th, as part of the Christmas getaway plans.
Operation Brock: The Traffic Management System
Drivers in Kent are being warned about Operation Brock’s return on the M20 motorway. The controversial measure requires lorries bound for Dover to queue on one side of the highway, with the other carriageway carrying traffic in both directions. This system is designed to prevent large backlogs of freight traffic from spilling onto local roads near Dover and Folkestone during one of the busiest travel weeks of the year.
Timing and Implementation
Operation Brock will be reinstated on the M20’s coast-bound carriageway between junction eight near Leeds Castle and junction nine at Ashford. The plan, confirmed by the Kent and Medway Resilience Forum (KMRF), outlines that this measure will remain in place for a week, with removal work scheduled overnight on December 22nd to fully reopen the motorway the following day.
Impact and Precautions
The KMRF’s strategic lead for border disruption, Simon Jones, stated: “We don’t take the decision lightly, but the predicted number of crossings over the festive period fully support its deployment. When Operation Brock is active, the M20 is subject to a reduced speed limit and a system that separates heavy goods vehicles from other road users.” The initiative aims to ensure key roads remain open for local communities while maintaining safety.
A spokesperson for the KMRF added: “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.” Authorities are advising motorists to plan ahead, allowing extra time for their journeys and carrying essentials like food, water, and medication in case of long delays.
Despite its intended benefits, Operation Brock has long attracted criticism due to its cost and inconvenience for local drivers.
Estimates for the deployment range from £100,000 to £250,000, prompting renewed debate over its use during peak travel periods. Critics argue that it is an expensive short-term fix providing few benefits compared to more sustainable traffic management solutions.
As Christmas approaches, Kent drivers are advised to stay informed and prepare for possible delays on the M20 motorway. The KMRF emphasizes the importance of planning ahead to limit disruption during this crucial time of year.
