With cross-channel bookings looking busy in the run up to Christmas, the Kent and Medway Resilience Forum (KMRF) has agreed to deploy Operation Brock on the M20 for a limited period as a precaution.
The contraflow is scheduled to be in place on the London-bound carriageway between junctions 8 and 9 from overnight on Sunday 15 December until Sunday 22 December. This will allow lorries to be held on the coastbound carriageway if the queuing system on the A20 outside Dover, known as Dover TAP, fills up.
The Port of Dover and Eurotunnel are forecasting their peak tourist traveller numbers on 19, 20 and 21 December as the majority of the schools break up for the holiday together with hauliers heading back to the continent in time for the festive break.
The prospect of bad weather could also cause delays.
After a successful trial in the summer, a permit scheme will once again be in place if Operation Brock goes to control and lorries start to be filtered down to the port from the M20. No permit means no entry to the Port of Dover, which significantly reduced truckers attempting to jump the queue and circumnavigate the restrictions.
The installation of Brock means lorries heading to mainland Europe are legally required to follow the signed HGV routes to the Port of Dover and Eurotunnel using the M20 and A20.
Traffic levels will be monitored 24-hours a day during the Christmas getaway period by a team made up of KMRF partners including Kent County Council and the emergency services, with traffic officers at points through Dover town.
While there may be some local traffic restrictions, the KMRF will continue to explore and test new ways to assist residents.
KRF Strategic Lead, Simon Jones, said: “The indications from Eurotunnel and the Port of Dover are that we will see some really busy days in the run up to Christmas and we need to act on that intelligence and use all the facilities available to us, such as Operation Brock and TAP to minimise disruption.
“Our plan is to purely cover the peak period with the Brock implementation and if there is no further predicted issues, it will be removed again before Christmas.
“Brock, TAP and the Dover traffic management plan worked extremely well in keeping the roads moving during the summer holidays. We are acting to do the same and protect our communities, and our businesses and attractions. Of course for some of them, this is the most important time of the year.
“Our priority is to ensure everyone is able to get to where they want to go safely and as quickly as possible and to enjoy the festive period.”
For the latest updates on any service changes and useful contacts in the communities of Dover and Folkestone, which can be impacted by cross channel congestion, find out more by visiting the following websites:
- If you are a resident or business in the Dover District visit here
- If you are a resident or business in the Folkestone & Hythe District visit here
People needing to drive in or through Kent this winter should also follow some simple steps to ensure they reach their destination safely including:
- checking you know your route before you set off
- allowing extra time for your journey
- checking your vehicle’s tyres before beginning the drive to avoid an unnecessary breakdown, plus topping up on fuel and screen wash
- packing your car with essentials, including food, water, medicines you take regularly and essentials you may need if travelling with children, as well as blankets and warm clothing. Take a look at service stations you can visit if you need to.
For more information, head online:
- A good place to start is KCC’s Check Before You Travel page.
- National Highways has a travelling in severe weather guide and travel updates. You can also follow them on Twitter @highwaysseast.
- You can get weather forecasts, warnings and information from the Met Office and local radio stations like BBC Radio Kent and kmfm will have regular travel bulletins.
