Operation Brock set to return
A dreaded contraflow system on the M20 is set to return in December as the government aims to minimise disruption once the Brexit transition period ends.
Operation Brock caused months of frustration last year when a 15-mile stretch between Junction 9 for Ashford and Junction 8 for Leeds Castle was restricted to just two lanes by a metal barrier.
Drivers have been able to travel at 70mph and use all three lanes of the motorway since the hated steelwork was removed in January, but the Department for Transport (DfT) is now preparing to reinstall the system at the end of the year.
Moveable concrete blocks will be used instead of the previous metal barrier that took a month to put in and remove.
Bosses say the concrete - which will be stored at the side of the hard shoulder until needed - can be installed within hours thanks to a specialist ‘zipper’ machine. When active, Operation Brock sees one side of the motorway used by HGVs heading to cross-Channel ports, with all other traffic restricted to a 50mph contraflow on the opposite carriageway.
On Monday, the government launched a consultation on the scheme, which aims to limit disruption on Kent’s roads if there are problems at the Channel ports once the Brexit transition period ends in December.
The DfT is asking for views on changes to the legislation which will allow Operation Brock to continue in 2021.
Ashford MP Damian Green says the scheme is better than Operation Stack, which closed sections of the M20 completely, causing significant issues on the surrounding roads.
“Operation Brock will be a nuisance, but it is better than having lorries going all over the roads of Kent when the motorway is closed altogether,” he said.
“Instead of taking a month to assemble or take down the barrier, it could take a few hours.”
Visit www.gov.uk to take part in an online survey or email OperationBrockSIs@dft.gov.uk