Brock contraflow to be removed as festive getaway ends

Kent Resilience Forum (KRF) has confirmed that Operation Brock will be removed from the M20 this weekend.

The traffic scheme, which was in place to manage the flow of freight heading across the Channel via Eurotunnel and the Port of Dover over a busy Christmas and New Year, has been in place since 13 December.

National Highways will remove the Brock contraflow between Junctions 9 and 8 London-bound overnight this coming Friday and Saturday night, meaning diversions will be in place for both carriageways during that time.

The contraflow was initially activated in December following data from the Department of Transport and booking information showing peak periods of travel for both freight and tourist traffic throughout the festive season.

The 50mph speed limit will remain in place to allow work on the M20 by National Highways to resume.

KRF partners, including Kent County Council, National Highways, the Department for Transport and Kent Police, have monitored traffic levels closely over the last month. The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency has also been working with the KRF, positioned at strategic points redirecting hauliers who were attempting to circumnavigate the contraflow.

Simon Jones, Strategic Lead for the KRF said: “Operation Brock forms part of the traffic management plan to keep the county’s roads safe and to help residents, road users and businesses reach their destinations as quickly as possible.

“By being prepared and using the contraflow it has meant that Kent has kept moving during this seasonal getaway. We are very grateful for everyone’s patience and understanding during this time.

“Now that the immediate risk of congestion has subsided, we are looking forward to restoring the motorway to business as usual, hopefully, at the end of this week.

“Operation Brock is of course not a long-term solution, and we will continue to raise the matter with Government. With further ministerial visits planned in Kent in 2023 there remains plenty of opportunity to discuss the unique issues the county faces.”