Operation Brock: Motorists to face Easter holiday getaway disruption amid ‘unpopular’ emergency traffic measures in Kent
A key UK route is preparing for the return of Operation Brock over the Easter period as officials predict a surge in the number of holidaymakers heading to Europe.
An emergency traffic management scheme is set to be reintroduced in Kent, with bosses admitting it was “not always popular”.
The Kent and Medway Resilience Forum (KMRF) confirmed the barriers will be in place on the M20 from 2 April and will remain until 8 April, when the motorway is expected to reopen as normal.
Designed to keep traffic flowing during possible delays at channel ports, Operation Brock diverts lorries bound for the Port of Dover or Eurotunnel into a dedicated lane.
This allows other vehicles to continue moving in both directions, albeit through narrow lanes on the opposite carriageway.
The reverse flow system will be implemented on the M20 coastline between junctions eight and nine, with a reduced speed limit of 50mph.
The emergency measures were initially designed to prevent post-Brexit disruption around the Port of Dover but were later made permanent to respond to any traffic disruptions in the area.
The BBC’s Freedom of Information request, published last month, revealed the traffic control system cost more than £3 million to implement last year, with initial installation costs of £226,000 and around £35,000 extra each 24-hour period.
Simon Jones, KMRF strategic lead on border disruption, said: “We only deploy Operation Brock when there is clear data showing there will be a higher than normal demand for crossings.
“The entire KMRF team understands that the decision to introduce the Brock barrier at peak times has not always been popular and we do not take this decision lightly.
“The number of transits predicted during this week fully supports its deployment.”
KMRF chiefs advise drivers to check their routes before traveling, allow extra time for journeys and stock the vehicle with essential supplies such as food, water and medicine in case they get stuck in traffic.
The forum was unable to provide expected passenger numbers because it relied on commercially sensitive information.
In December, Faversham and Mid Kent MP Helen Whately said the scheme, designed for emergencies only, had now become a “regular headache”.
“Brock blocks our roads when traffic is at a standstill, trucks are passing through villages and families are delayed getting to work,” he said.
