Operation Brock contraflow is back

The Operation Brock contraflow system on the M20 in Kent will be deployed from Friday 14 July ahead of the summer holidays and expected high passenger numbers.

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.  

To ensure safe deployment of the contraflow system, the M20 will be closed as follows:
• 9pm Tuesday 11 July to 6am Wednesday 12 July: Coast bound carriageway between junction 9 and junction 8
• 8pm Thursday 13 July to 6am Friday 14 July: London bound carriageway between junction 9 and junction 8, coast bound carriageway between junction 7 and junction 9

Fully signed diversion routes will be place while the M20 is closed overnight. These times have been chosen to minimise disruption to road users. When the M20 reopens at 6am on Friday 14 July, the Operation Brock contraflow will be in place and all signs and signals should be followed.

Once the barrier is in place, all HGVs heading for the Port of Dover or Eurotunnel must follow the signs to join Operation Brock at M20 junction 8.  

Any EU-bound HGVs not complying with signage and trying to use another route to Eurotunnel or the Port of Dover risk a fine of £300. They will also be sent to the back of the queue by Police or enforcement agents, wasting time, fuel, and money. This includes trying to bypass the M20 by using the M2/A2 at Brenley Corner. All other coast bound traffic – including local freight and car drivers heading for the continent – should follow the signs and cross over to enter the contraflow on the M20 London bound carriageway.  

Anyone planning to use Eurotunnel and the Port of Dover are advised to plan their journeys and check with the travel operator before setting out. They should also allow more time for their journeys and make sure they are prepared for delays, so should have plenty of fuel, warm clothes, and supplies such as food and drink. The contraflow is expected to be in place for two weeks.