Operation Brock Contraflow System to Be Implemented on M20 Ahead of Busy Weekend
Motorists in England are bracing for potential delays this bank holiday weekend as new traffic measures are set to be implemented on the M20. Starting from 8pm on Wednesday, May 21, the motorway will be closed between Maidstone and Ashford overnight to allow for the installation of the Operation Brock contraflow system. The system is expected to be operational by 6am on Thursday, May 22, aiming to streamline traffic flow during what is anticipated to be a peak travel period.
The contraflow system will cover a 13-mile stretch between Junctions 8 and 9 on the M20, a measure supported by the Kent and Medway Resilience Forum. This initiative is part of broader efforts to manage the high volumes of traffic heading towards Kent ports, particularly during school holidays and bank holiday weekends. However, the system has been met with criticism from local residents and MPs, who question its necessity and the inconvenience it causes.
National Highways has defended the timing of the implementation, stating that the overnight closure was chosen to minimize disruption to road users. The agency emphasized the importance of the contraflow system in managing HGV traffic bound for the Port of Dover or the Eurotunnel, especially in the event of disruptions in the Channel. The system is designed to keep the M20 and local roads open and moving, allowing non-port-bound traffic to continue their journeys as usual.
Despite the criticisms, National Highways and local authorities are urging motorists to plan ahead and expect delays. The Operation Brock contraflow system is one of several measures in place to improve traffic flow in the region, but its effectiveness and impact on local communities remain points of contention as the bank holiday weekend approaches.
