Operation Brock Set for Reinstatement on M20

A traffic management system designed to manage lorries awaiting passage across the English Channel is scheduled for re-establishment ahead of the Christmas period. The Kent and Medway Resilience Forum (KMRF) has given its assent to activate Operation Brock on the M20, specifically between junctions eight (Maidstone) and nine (Ashford), for the duration of 15 to 22 December. Under Operation Brock, heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) bound for Dover will form queues on one segment of the M20, while the adjacent carriageway will function as a contraflow system, accommodating traffic moving in both directions. Simon Jones, who serves as KMRF’s Operation Brock strategic lead, stated: “The indications from Eurotunnel and the Port of Dover are that we will see some really busy days in the run up to Christmas and we need to act on that intelligence.” Kent County Council reported that the implementation of Operation Brock mandates that freight destined for mainland Europe must also legally adhere to the designated HGV routes leading to the Port of Dover and Eurotunnel, utilizing the M20 and A20. Following a successful trial conducted during the summer, a permit system will be reinstated should lorries commence being directed to the port from the M20. According to the council, this measure substantially decreases the incidence of truck drivers trying to bypass the queue and circumvent the regulations. The council indicates that the Port of Dover and Eurotunnel anticipate their highest volumes of tourist travellers on 19, 20, and 21 December.