Kentish Express Ashford & District
M20 Op Brock barrier to be removed
50mph speed limit and narrow lanes to disappear when Brock removed
A hated contraflow on the M20 will be removed this weekend, sparking relief among drivers who have faced months of disruption.
The government introduced the system between Junction 9 for Ashford and Junction 8 for Leeds Castle last year in anticipation of disruption at the end of the Brexit transition period.
But queues at the ports have never materialised and the 12-mile barrier used to make the contraflow will be moved to the side of the motorway during overnight closures on Saturday and Sunday.
It means drivers will finally be able to use all lanes of the carriageway again and won’t face a frustrating 50mph limit.
Kent Police’s assistant chief constable Nikki Faulconbridge issued a thank you to motorists.
“With freight volumes back to normal, customs rules better understood and Covid-19 testing sites now well-established across the UK, the time is right for the Operation Brock contraflow to be removed,” she said.
“I would like to thank the people of Kent for their patience and understanding while the barrier has been in place.
“It is however important to note that the barrier will remain on the hard shoulder and can be activated again in the future if necessary.
“Alongside our partners we will continue to monitor traffic levels closely over the weeks and months to come, including during an expected increase when tourists are once again allowed to access Kent’s ports, to ensure any emerging issues are suitably addressed.”
Ashford MP Damian Green says he has been in contact with ministers “on a weekly basis” about the removal of the barrier, which consists of 19,563 individual blocks.
“I am pleased the authorities have listened to local people and will be removing the restrictions,” he added.
The work to remove the contraflow will be completed under a full closure of the coastbound side from Junctions 7 to 9 and on the London-bound from Junc
tions 9 to 8 from 8pm on Saturday until 8am on Sunday.
Work will resume overnight on the London-bound carriageway from 8pm on Sunday until 6am on Monday.
Highways England says drivers will be directed to a diversion route on the A20.
Nicola Bell, the road authority’s regional director, said: “We are grateful for people’s
patience while the moveable barrier has been in place and are looking forward to restoring the motorway to full capacity.
“The barrier enabled the steady flow of freight into Eurotunnel and Port of Dover, and ensured the continued movement of goods and services across the country with minimal fuss at a critical time.
“It will remain stored along the M20 and can be deployed at short notice if there is any future Channel port disruption.
“The last four months have not been without their challenges and I would like to pay testament to the hundreds of workers who have worked – and continue to work – around the clock to ensure that traffic continues to move smoothly through Kent.”
The government has also dropped the need for truckers bound for France to have a ‘Kent Access Permit’ to drive into the county, meaning they will now be faced with less paperwork.