Operation Brock to be reinstated ahead of Easter getaway

Published: 01/04/2025

The Operation Brock contraflow system will be set out on the M20 in anticipation of high passenger numbers heading through Kent to Europe over the Easter holiday, the Kent and Medway Resilience Forum (KMRF) has confirmed.

Engineers will install the barrier system, creating a dedicated lane for HGVs to queue if needed, between Junctions 8 & 9 of the M20. It will be activated on Thursday 3rd April, after work to install it overnight on Wednesday 2nd April.

Acting as a pressure valve to minimise the impact of congestion further down the motorway, 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. When required, HGVs will have to have a permit to enable entry to the Port of Dover.

The decision to use this traffic management measure is made collectively by the KMRF, a partnership of agencies including Kent County Council, Kent Police, and National Highways. The decision to deploy Op Brock is driven by intelligence showing increased cross-channel bookings for tourist traffic before and over Easter.

KMRF Strategic Lead for border disruption, Simon Jones, said: “If Op Brock is not in use and there are delays at the Port of Dover, this has a knock-on effect on the surrounding roads – causing unjustified disruption to local communities.

“This decision is not taken lightly and is informed by data which tells us we are very likely to see increased traffic heading to Europe.

“As always, we will do everything we can to enable people to get where they want to be as safely and as quickly as possible. Until more permanent solutions are found to tackle disruption on Kent’s roads, Operation Brock is the only tool we have to keep traffic moving through the county.”

Traffic levels will be constantly monitored over the Easter period, and the Operation Brock contraflow will be removed once cross-channel traffic levels reduce and the risk of serious delays has passed.

Meanwhile, should traffic start to build at the Port of Dover and/or Eurotunnel, the KMRF is advising drivers to check their route before setting off, allow extra time for the journey and pack the car with a few essentials including food, water, regular medication, and anything else you or your family may need if caught up in traffic.