Kent Grits Teeth as M20 Traffic Controls Stay Put Until Jubilee
The Kent Resilience Forum (KRF) has confirmed that traffic controls on the M20 motorway will remain in place until after the Queen’s Jubilee celebrations, as ferry capacity at Dover remains tight. The decision comes amid a perfect storm of delays: reduced cross-Channel ferries, the upcoming school half-term, and a flood of football fans heading to Paris for the Champions League final.
M20 Controls to Stay Until 5 June
National Highways will keep the M20 traffic controls managing freight heading to Europe firmly in place until the early hours of Sunday, 5 June. This pause will allow essential work to relocate the moveable barrier at the heart of the Brock traffic system back to the central reservation to resume.
Simon Jones, Strategic Planning Lead at KRF, said:
“We’re not ready to ditch the traffic controls just yet. With the next busy holiday period fast approaching, keeping the scheme in place is vital to keep Kent moving and minimize disruption for residents and tourists alike.”
Ferry Woes and Football Frenzy Add to Pressure
- Irish Ferries has added another ship to its Dover fleet, while P&O has resumed limited services.
- However, two P&O ferries remain sidelined undergoing safety checks and sea trials.
- The final weekend of May will be especially packed as families hit the roads for half-term, and thousands of football fans travel to Paris for the UEFA Champions League final.
Supporters without tickets are urged to contact their travel operators before heading to Kent to avoid disappointment.
Stay Alert, Plan Ahead
Nicola Bell, National Highways’ South East Regional Director, warned:
“Though frustrating, keeping the M20 controls is the best way to reduce gridlock and protect communities and businesses. We’ll scrap them as soon as it’s safe to do so.”
While Brock traffic management is active, all EU-bound freight must use the M20 from Junction 8 coastbound and follow signs carefully. Drivers should check routes before travel, know where to take breaks, and allow extra journey time.
Weekend works on the M2 will continue but remain under review as congestion battles on.
