Operation Brock lifted overnight as traffic concerns ease on M20
Kent Resilience Forum confirms early removal after successful summer getaway
Last night the Kent and Medway Resilience Forum (KMRF) removed the Operation Brock traffic management system from the M20, a week earlier than initially planned.
The early removal comes as confidence in managing traffic during the remainder of the summer getaway has improved, reducing the necessity for the contraflow system.
KMRF's coordinated efforts, which involved partners like Kent County Council, Kent Police, and National Highways, have been effective in minimising disruptions for Kent residents.
The French Police aux Frontières have also been instrumental in maintaining fluid border traffic, allowing for the early cessation of Operation Brock.
Talking to Greatest Hits Radio, Toby Howe from the organisation said:
"Every time we put Brock out, it's based on data from the Port of Dover and Eurotunnel, we always then review throughout the holiday period.
"So each week we've reassessed the data that we receive, reassessed what the traffic management is doing and how everything's flowing, etc.
"So what we've seen is that this summer is that the data provided was totally correct.
"However, we've had real success with the partnership and the traffic management systems all doing what they should.
"So what we've seen is really good fluidity throughout and therefore, after discussion with all partners, we were happy that although we've still got one more weekend to come, we're confident that with everything in place, we won't need Brock for that weekend."
On the frequency of using Operation Brock in the future he added:
"It is certainly improved this summer. I mean, a really good example is when we had May Bank Holiday, we had exactly the same numbers of tourists over a weekend and we had huge queues simply because things weren't working as well.
"So we have to plan for that. Hindsight's a great thing...However, everything has come together. Everybody's worked well together to get to where we are now.
"However, that said, Brock is all that there is for the Kent and Medway Resilience Forum to have in place.
"So until there is an alternative to Brock, then it's still likely to be seen for many of the holiday periods."