Kent Resilience Forum confirmed that the Operation Brock contraflow system on the M20 in Kent will be deployed from Monday 12 December ahead of the Christmas period and high passenger numbers. 

Operation Brock is part of a series of measures to improve Kent’s resilience and ensure the flow of traffic through the region in the event of disruption to services across the English Channel.

To ensure safe deployment of the contraflow system, the M20 will be closed as follows:

• 9pm Wednesday 7 December to 6am Thursday 8 December: coastbound M20 between Junctions 7 to 9
• 9pm Thursday 8 December to 6am Friday 9 December: London bound M20 between junctions 9 to 8
• 9pm Friday 9 December to 6am Saturday 10 December: coastbound M20 between junctions 7 to 9
• 9pm Sunday 11 December to 6am Monday 12 December: London bound M20 between junctions 9-8 and the coastbound M20 between junctions 7-9.

When the M20 reopens at 6am on Monday 12 December, the Operation Brock contraflow will be in place and all signs and signals should be followed.  

Once the barrier is in place, all HGVs heading for the Port of Dover or Eurotunnel must follow the signs to join Operation Brock at M20 junction 8.

Any EU-bound HGVs not complying with signage and trying to use another route to Eurotunnel or the Port of Dover risk a fine of £300. They will also be sent to the back of the queue by Police or enforcement agents. This includes trying to bypass the M20 by using the M2/A2 at Brenley Corner.

All other coast bound traffic – including local freight and car drivers heading for the continent – should follow the signs and cross over to enter the contraflow on the M20 London bound carriageway.

Sean Martell, National Highways Head of Service Delivery said

"The crucial thing about the contraflow system is that it keeps Kent open and traffic moving in all but the most extreme circumstances. It’s also important that everyone follows the signs. Any HGV freight trying to jump the queue by using Brenley Corner will be turned back."

Anyone planning to use Eurotunnel and the Port of Dover are advised to plan their journeys and check with the travel operator before setting out. They should also allow more time for their journeys and make sure they are prepared for delays, so should have plenty of fuel, warm clothes, and supplies such as food and drink.