Operation Brock will remain in place until after the Easter Bank Holiday weekend as a precaution to manage the flow of traffic to the Port of Dover and Eurotunnel, Kent Resilience Forum (KRF) leaders confirmed today.
While both freight and passenger traffic has been flowing well along cross-Channel routes since the weekend, the volume of HGVs heading to Europe is set to increase again ahead of Thursday evening. It means hauliers must be ready to join a moving queue in Brock and have all their paperwork in order to avoid further delays at the border.
With another busy spell for freight on Kent’s roads expected, tourists driving to the Continent via ferry and Le Shuttle for the final getaway of the 2022 Easter break should also be prepared to follow the signed diversions to Dover and Folkestone and for journeys to take longer than normal. The full diversion route for all local traffic and passengers bound for Eurotunnel or the port when Operation Brock is active between Junctions 8 to 9 or Junctions 8 to11 can be read here: nationalhighways.co.uk/travel-updates/operation-brock
Kent Resilience Forum Strategic Planning Lead Simon Jones said: “KRF partners, including National Highways, Kent County Council and Kent Police, continue to work around the clock to keep Kent’s roads flowing as smoothly as possible.
“Tourist traffic is currently moving freely through to Dover and Eurotunnel and both gateways have the capacity to handle existing passenger bookings for Easter weekend.
“But with freight levels set to increase again as we go through this week, we will continue to closely manage truck traffic with controlled releases from the M20 to avoid further disruption – and this will remain our approach as we go through the remainder of the Easter holiday period.
“Traffic management, including on the M20 and A20, helps everyone on the move reach their destination as quickly and safely as possible and ensures Kent remains open for our communities, business, staycationers and overseas visitors despite reduced ferry capacity at Dover. Thank you to everyone affected for their ongoing patience and continued support as we work to keep Kent moving.”
While Brock remains in place, all drivers heading across the Channel must follow overhead motorway signs to ensure they are in the correct lane for their crossing point.
Enforcement also remains in place across the Kent road network to ensure EU-bound HGVs not following the traffic management system are directed to Brock so as not to cause congestion in Dover town.
Nicola Bell, Highways England Regional Director, said: “Our top priorities are to help people complete their journeys and allow local communities and businesses to go about their daily business with minimal disruption.
“EU freight heading for the ports must continue to use the M20, enter the coastbound carriageway at Junction 8, follow instructions and join the queue of HGVs moving towards the ports. While the M20 remains closed southbound, all other drivers should follow the signed diversion and allow more time for their journeys.
“We keep the deployment of operation Brock under continual review. Any decision to remove the barrier or reopen the M20 will be taken jointly, with our partners in Kent. We thank our customers and the people of Kent for their continued patience.”
In addition to allowing plenty of time for journeys, KRF partners are also advising people driving in or through Kent to continue being prepared for potential delays by following simple steps including checking routes, and vehicles, including tyres before leaving home.
For more information on Operation Brock visit National Highways website here and for more tips about checking your vehicle before setting off visit here.
For further details about the Kent Resilience Forum partnership visit the 'about us' web page.
For where to find the latest traffic and travel updates in Kent visit: Check before you travel – Kent County Council
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