Operation Brock Stays Put as P&O Ferry Crisis Hits Kent
With P&O ferry services still suspended and cross-channel capacity slashed by a third, Kent’s traffic nightmare isn’t ending anytime soon. The government has decided to keep Operation Brock rolling to manage the flow of HGVs heading from the UK to Europe—and keep Kent moving.
Kent Resilience Forum: “No Easy Choice”
Simon Jones, Strategic Planning Lead at Kent Resilience Forum, said:
“This decision was not taken lightly. We understand the daily disruption the M20 contraflow causes, but with limited capacity at Dover and no P&O ferries in action, this traffic management system is vital. It helps everyone get where they need to go—quickly and safely. We thank Kent residents, HGV drivers, and their employers for their continued patience.”
National Highways Back the Move
Nicola Bell, Regional Director at National Highways, added:
“Operation Brock is working well. It controls HGV flows to Eurotunnel and the Port of Dover. The M20 contraflow remains open for all other traffic in both directions. We use Operation TAP near Dover periodically, but it is not causing delays.”
She warned that demand for freight and passenger traffic is strong and unpredictable. “Keeping Operation Brock enables a swift response to surges, making traffic management safer and more reliable.”
Drivers: Beware the Rules—or Pay Up
The M20 contraflow barrier can be shifted overnight, but closing the motorway for installation or removal causes major disruption. Without the barrier, sudden spikes in lorry traffic—as before Easter—would wreak havoc.
A decision on whether to scrap Operation Brock after Tuesday, 3 May, will be made soon. Until then, drivers heading through Kent should:
- Check traffic updates before travelling
- Allow extra time
- Bring essentials: food, drink, and any medication
HGV drivers must use the M20 route, joining at junction 8 for Operation Brock. Ignoring this risks hefty fines of up to £300, wasted time, and extra fuel costs.
Kent remains braced for more traffic chaos as the P&O ferry fallout drags on. Stay alert and stay safe.
