A major UK route is bracing for the return of Operation Brock over the Easter period as authorities anticipate a surge in holidaymakers heading to Europe.
The emergency traffic management scheme, which bosses admit is “not always popular”, is set to be deployed again in Kent.
The Kent and Medway Resilience Forum (KMRF) confirmed that the barriers will be in place on the M20 from April 2, remaining until April 8 when the motorway is expected to reopen as normal.
Designed to maintain traffic flow during potential delays at Channel ports, Operation Brock directs lorries bound for the Port of Dover or Eurotunnel into a dedicated lane.
This allows other vehicles to continue moving in both directions, albeit through narrow lanes on the opposing carriageway.
The contraflow system will be in place on the M20 coastbound between junctions eight and nine at a reduced 50mph speed limit.
The emergency measures were first designed to curb post-Brexit disruption around the Port of Dover but were later made permanent to respond to any kind of traffic disruption in the area.
A view of holiday and freight traffic queueing to use the Port of Dover in Kent (Gareth Fuller/PA)A Freedom of Information request by the BBC published last month found implementing the traffic control system cost more than £3 million last year, with an initial deployment cost of £226,000 and nearly £35,000 extra every 24-hour period.
KMRF strategic lead for border disruption, Simon Jones, said: “We only deploy Operation Brock when there is clear data showing there will be a higher-than-usual demand for crossings.
“The whole KMRF team understand the decision to put the Brock barrier in place at busy times is not always popular and we do not take the decision lightly.
“The predicted number of crossings during this week fully support its deployment.”
KMRF chiefs are advising drivers to check their routes before travelling, allow extra time for the journeys and pack the car with essentials such as food, water and medication in case of being held up in traffic.
The forum was unable to give expected passenger numbers as it is based on commercially sensitive information.
In December, Faversham and Mid Kent MP Helen Whately said the scheme, which was only meant to be for emergencies, is now a “regular headache”.
“Brock jams up our roads when traffic grinds to a halt, lorries cut through villages, and families face delays getting to work,” she said.
