The widely criticised Operation Brock contraflow system is set to return to the M20 motorway this week, ahead of the late May bank holiday weekend, sparking renewed frustration among residents and road users.
National Highways has confirmed that the M20 will be closed overnight between Junction 8 (Maidstone) and Junction 9 (Ashford) from 8pm on Wednesday, May 21, to 6am Thursday, to allow for the installation of the barrier system.
The Kent and Medway Resilience Forum has called for the deployment in anticipation of high passenger volumes travelling to the Port of Dover and Eurotunnel.
Once activated, Operation Brock will see HGVs queued on the coastbound carriageway, while all other traffic is directed to a contraflow on the London-bound side with narrow lanes and a 50mph speed limit over a 13-mile stretch.
Despite its traffic management aims, the system has long been labelled a “massive inconvenience” by residents, and Kent MPs have questioned whether it is necessary during every school and bank holiday.
In January, the government announced that plans for a long-term solution were underway, aiming to use digital technology and off-road HGV holding sites. However, these remain in early development.
During Wednesday night’s closure, fully signed diversion routes will be in operation. National Highways is urging drivers to follow official signage rather than relying on sat-nav directions.
Once reopened, all HGVs bound for the continent must join Operation Brock at Junction 8, while cars and non-local freight will be diverted into the contraflow system.
Operation Brock is designed to prevent congestion from spilling onto local roads during disruption at Channel crossings, but has drawn increasing public backlash for its frequency and disruptive impact.
