Delays Hit Kent as Eurotunnel and Dover Struggle with Summer Surge
Kent’s ports have handled 72,000 passengers this weekend, but drivers face more queue misery. Motorists are urged to plan ahead, obey diversion signs, and pack plenty of food and drink for long waits.
Operation Brock Causes Chaos on M20
The M20 is locked down for non-freight traffic between Junctions 8 (Maidstone) and 12 (Folkestone) to prioritise haulage heading to Europe. Eastbound slip roads at Junctions 9, 10, and 11 are also shut. The London-bound carriageway remains fully open and flowing.
Operation Brock, Kent’s traffic management scheme, is designed to control freight flow amid ongoing English Channel disruptions. Non-freight drivers heading to Eurotunnel are shunted onto the A20, while tourists en route to Dover use the A2 and M2.
£300 Fines for Queue Jumping Hauliers
EU-bound lorry drivers ignoring signs and cutting the queue face a £300 fine and will be sent to the back of the line by police or enforcement agents. Over 100 fines have been slapped on rule-breakers in just 48 hours.
Kent Officials Work Overtime, Ask for Patience
Partners of the Kent Resilience Forum have overnight managed to clear some of the backlog and reduce queues of hauliers and passengers, and get people safely on their way to Europe,” said Toby Howe, Tactical Lead of the KRF.
“Today is another busy day, and we are constantly reviewing traffic management plans on the M20, A20, M2 and A2 to resolve any issues as quickly as possible.”
“We understand how difficult and frustrating the last few days have been for so many people attempting to leave for the summer vacation. We’d like to thank everyone affected for their continued patience and support as we work to keep Kent moving and people on their way.”
