'Tis the season to deploy Brock

National Highways has deployed the Operation Brock contraflow on the M20 in Kent after heavy snow scuppered a plan to implement the system on Sunday night.

Operation Brock is part of a series of measures to improve Kent’s resilience and ensure the smooth flow of traffic through the region in the event of disruption to services across the English Channel.

National Highways announced earlier this month that the contraflow would be deployed this week ‘ahead of the Christmas period and high passenger numbers’.

At that time, its head of service delivery, Sean Martell, said: ‘Ensuring the smooth flow of traffic through Kent is a top priority and we, along with our fellow Kent Resilience Forum partners, have taken the joint decision to activate the Operation Brock contraflow [on Monday].

‘While we understand this won't be welcome news for some, the decision was made taking several factors into consideration, including high peak passenger numbers.

‘The crucial thing about the contraflow system is that it keeps Kent open and traffic moving in all but the most extreme circumstances.’

The M20 was due to open at 6am on Wednesday morning and the coast bound route re-opened at 5:55 am and the London-bound route slightly at 6:19 am.

HGVs heading for the Port of Dover or Eurotunnel are required to follow the signs to join Operation Brock at M20 Junction 8.