M20: Operation Brock barriers to be reinstalled in Kent

Highways England Highways EnglandHighways England
A moveable barrier put in place on the M20

Barriers installed on a motorway in Kent in case of a no-deal Brexit are to return.

Operation Brock will return from Monday to help the flow of heavy traffic expected due to the school holidays and an expected increase in holidaymakers.

The concrete barriers allow lorries heading to the Port of Dover to use one side of the M20. All other traffic is restricted to a contraflow system on the opposite side.

It covers a 16-mile stretch of the M20.

The barriers, between Maidstone and Ashford, and will be reinstalled over the weekend.

The system was initially designed in the event of a no-deal Brexit plan, but was removed in April.

PA Lorries parked on the M20 near Charing, Kent, as part of the former system Operation StackPA
Delays shut the M20 in 2015

Operation Brock has been unpopular with local residents, but travel authorities say the system reduces disruption. Kent County Council's highways director Simon Jones said: "We believe that this is the right thing to give people the best opportunity to reach their destination quickly and safely."Passengers who plan to travel through Kent are being warned to prepare for longer journeys.

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