Major motorway used by thousands of drivers everyday rolls out hated traffic measure for the Christmas getaway
A MAJOR motorway essential for tens of millions of journeys every year is set to become clogged, making getting away or coming home for Christmas a massive mission.
Drivers in Kent are being warned that the much-maligned Operation Brock is coming back, causing chaos on one of the busiest highways in the county.
Sign up for newsletter
Thank you!
People heading to the Eurotunnel – rebranded LeShuttle in 2023 – and port are advised to plan aheadCredit: PA
Operation Brock requires lorries bound for Dover to queue on one side of the M20
Motorists heading on holiday via LeShuttle over the festive season, or to Kent for Christmas, particularly Ashford, Folkestone and Maidstone, are being warned to expect possible delays.
Operation Brock is set to be reinstated on the M20 next week.
The controversial traffic management system, which has been heavily criticised by road users since its introduction, will once again be used to control queues heading towards the Channel crossings during one of the busiest travel weeks of the year.
The initiative requires lorries bound for Dover to queue on one side of the M20, with the other carriageway carrying traffic in both directions.
ROAD CARNAGE
Drivers brace for M20 carnage as ‘Operation Brock’ traffic rules hit in days
DRIVE TIME
Drivers face huge motorway closure over Bank Holiday as millions warned of chaos
Overnight on December 15, Operation Brock will be will be implemented along the coast-bound carriageway of the M20 between junction eight near Leeds Castle and junction nine at Ashford.
The plan, confirmed by the Kent and Medway Resilience Forum (KMRF), outlines that the measure will remain in place for a week.
Removal work is scheduled overnight on December 22, so the motorway can fully reopen the following day.
The KMRF’s strategic lead for border disruption, Simon Jones, said: “We don’t take the decision lightly, but the predicted number of crossings over the festive period fully support its deployment.
“When Operation Brock is active, the M20 is subject to a reduced speed limit and a system that separates heavy goods vehicles from other road users.
“A dedicated lane is created for lorries to queue, helping to prevent large backlogs of freight traffic from spilling onto local roads near Dover and Folkestone.
He added: “We will endeavour to only keep the Brock barrier on the M20 for the minimum amount of time absolutely necessary and we will continue to use the permit scheme for hauliers going through Brock.
“This means we can deny lorries access who have cut the queue, helping to improve Brock compliance while keeping key roads moving for local communities, and hopefully making sure everyone can safely get to where they need to be.”
Authorities are advising motorists to plan ahead to limit disruption, with the KMRF urging drivers to check routes before setting off, allow extra time for journeys and carry essentials like food, water and medication in case of long delays.
A spokesperson for the organisation added: “Operation Brock allows traffic to use the M20 in both directions through a contraflow system.
“It also reduces the risk of having to close the Roundhill Tunnel near Folkestone, which can cause disruption on local roads and impact local communities.”
Though designed to prevent major traffic jams, the scheme has long attracted criticism due to its cost and inconvenience for local drivers.
Opponents argue that it’s an expensive short-term fix providing few benefits.
Estimates for the cost of deploying Operation Brock range from £100,000 to £250,000, prompting renewed debate over its use during peak travel periods.
