Motorway barrier is a gamble with people’s lives

The government is considering keeping operation Brock permanently.

It would seem as though this is a very poorly thought out plan where health and safety is concerned.

Having the barrier sitting on the hard shoulder 24/7 for 12 miles will undoubtedly cause dangerous exiting of drivers from vehicles. We are continuously told if we break down to leave the car and stand on the verge for “safety”. However, if a car breaks down and needs to stop on the hard shoulder, they will practically be opening the door on to the nearside lane, which may be okay for those that are able-bodied who can climb over the barrier but heaven forbid there are any babies/children, elderly or disabled passengers in the car who will have no way of getting out safely, let alone attempting to climb the barrier and if they do manage it, how will they cope during bad weather?

Are they expected to just sit in the car and hope that they aren’t crushed to death by upcoming traffic?

The same goes for HGVs, only this will be much worse as they are wider overall and will overhang the nearside lane more, so will encounter even more danger. What about all those lefthand drive vehicles? They won’t be able to get to safety as they will be unable to exit the vehicle due to the “barrier” blocking their exit.

The barrier is currently placed in front of the draining system, this does cause flooding on the hard shoulder and if there were a flash flood, this easily will reach the nearside lane and will cause aquaplaning which will turn cause many accidents.

Another issue I see happening is drivers losing control of their vehicle, head toward the hard shoulder, crash in to the “barrier” and ricochet back into fast travelling vehicles, which will cause misery and pain to many. If the barrier wasn’t there, it’s highly likely that no other vehicles will be involved as it is probable that the said vehicle will end up off road, down a bank or in a field.

To even consider this to be a permanent fixture to the M20 is like playing Russian roulette with people’s lives.

Get back to the drawing board

and build a much-needed new road!

Brian Marchant

Operation Brock on the M20 at Junction 9 for Ashford