‘Not always popular’ Operation Brock to return ahead of Easter getaway period
It's designed to keep the M20 moving, in the event of delays at the Eurotunnel and Dover ports
Emergency traffic measures accepted as “not always popular” by bosses will return to Kent for the Easter period as high numbers of holidaymakers are expected to travel to Europe.
Kent and Medway Resilience Forum (KMRF) has confirmed Operation Brock will be deployed again.
The barriers will be in place from April 2 and the motorway will reopen as normal from April 8.
The scheme is designed to keep traffic moving on the M20 motorway in the event of delays at Channel ports.
Lorries heading for the Port of Dover or Eurotunnel are directed to a specific lane if needed, while other traffic continues to flow in both directions in narrow lanes on the other side of the road. The contraflow system will be in place on the M20 coastbound between junctions eight and nine at a reduced 50mph speed limit.
The emergency measures were first designed to curb post-Brexit disruption around the Port of Dover but were later made permanent to respond to any kind of traffic disruption in the area.
A Freedom of Information request by the BBC published last month found implementing the traffic control system cost more than £3 million last year, with an initial deployment cost of £226,000 and nearly £35,000 extra every 24-hour period.
KMRF strategic lead for border disruption, Simon Jones, said: “We only deploy Operation Brock when there is clear data showing there will be a higher-than-usual demand for crossings.
“The whole KMRF team understand the decision to put the Brock barrier in place at busy times is not always popular and we do not take the decision lightly.
“The predicted number of crossings during this week fully support its deployment.”
KMRF chiefs are advising drivers to check their routes before travelling, allow extra time for the journeys and pack the car with essentials such as food, water and medication in case of being held up in traffic.
The forum was unable to give expected passenger numbers as it is based on commercially sensitive information.
In December, Faversham and Mid Kent MP Helen Whately said the scheme, which was only meant to be for emergencies, is now a “regular headache”.
“Brock jams up our roads when traffic grinds to a halt, lorries cut through villages, and families face delays getting to work,” she said.