Operation Brock, the traffic management system designed to deal with congestion on the M20 during peak periods, will be activated from Monday 16 December. To facilitate the deployment, the M20 will be closed overnight on Sunday, 15 December.
National Highways has announced that the Operation Brock contraflow system will be activated on the M20 from Monday, 16 December, to manage increased traffic expected at Kent’s ports during the festive period.
The contraflow will operate along a 13-mile stretch between Junctions 8 (Maidstone) and 9 (Ashford), aimed at maintaining traffic flow and minimising disruption in the region.
To facilitate the deployment, the M20 will be closed overnight on Sunday, 15 December. The coastbound section between Junctions 7 and 9 and the London-bound stretch from Junctions 9 to 8 will shut between 8pm and 6am. Diversion routes will be clearly marked, and drivers are urged to follow these rather than relying on SatNav systems.
Once the contraflow is operational, HGVs heading to Dover or Eurotunnel must join Operation Brock at Junction 8, while other coastbound traffic, including passenger vehicles and local freight, will use the London-bound carriageway within the contraflow system.
National Highways told Trans.iNFO that the current plan is to keep Operation Brock in place until 22 December. The same sections of the M20 will then be closed at 8 pm to remove the contraflow and the road will be fully reopened at 6 am on Monday 23 December.
Sean Martell, National Highways’ Head of Service Delivery for the South East, said:
“Our job is to keep the country moving, and Operation Brock helps us do that during particularly busy periods at the ports in Kent. If you’re heading to the continent this Christmas, please plan your journey carefully, check with your travel operator, and allow extra time to reach your destination.”
Martell also advised drivers to prepare for potential delays by carrying essential supplies such as food, water, and fuel.
