Op Brock barrier removed but could return if needed

Operation Brock was removed from the M20 at the weekend, signalling an end to the dreaded 50mph limit and narrow lanes.

The scheme, installed ahead of the final Brexit transition, saw a contraflow system created between Ashford and Maidstone.

Removal work consisted of overnight closures of the road, ending at 6am on Monday.

The concrete barrier used to make the contraflow will remain on the hard shoulder in case rapid implementation is needed.

Ashford’s MP Damian Green says he is “delighted” at the move after petitioning for the removal over the last few weeks.

He said: “I asked why it hadn’t happened yet as there didn’t seem to be any need for it having looked at the roads.

“They were cautious about it but they finally agreed, so hopefully we can have a period of normality on the roads.”

Earlier in the year, Mr Green had suggested the real test of the system would come in the summer, when international tourism may resume.

While saying that there didn’t seem to be any fears of chaos at that point, he said: “we know that we can put it up relatively quickly if it’s needed, and that we can be confident that - if there is congestion into Dover - we have a way to store lorries which wouldn’t require the closure of the M20.”

The Conservative member said Brock would remain as the fallback plan in the event of serious congestion, “unless an emergency lorry park could be constructed”.

Meanwhile the Sevington Inland Border Facility will remain operational, and is expected to become busier as Covid restrictions ease and Defra checks start being conducted there in October.

MP Damian Green says he is delighted at the move