Due to delays in processing vehicles through the Port of Dover, coastbound traffic on the M20 has been severely delayed. For more information on the ongoing disruption, go to the Port of Dover’s website. This disruption to cross-Channel travel has also impacted EuroTunnel, which is working to clear a customer backlog. The combined effect of the Port of Dover and the EuroTunnel working through customer backlogs has had a significant impact on traffic in the Kent area surrounding Dover and Folkestone.

What exactly is Operation Brock?

Operation Brock is part of a series of measures designed to strengthen Kent’s resilience in the event of service disruptions across the English Channel. The Kent Resilience Forum (KRF) has agreed to implement additional traffic management measures alongside Operation Brock due to continued disruption at the Port of Dover caused by a reduced number of ferries, poor weather, and high traffic volumes.

These are some examples:

The front of the Operation Brock queue has been moved to just before M20 junction 11. This will allow HGVs bound for the port and the Eurotunnel to stay on the M20.
The M20 is closed to all other coastbound traffic.
When the channel is closed, HGV traffic on the M20 bound for the Port of Dover or the Eurotunnel has nowhere to go. Because of the deployment of Operation Brock, EU-bound freight traffic will use the coastbound carriageway on the M20 between J8 and J11, where it will be queued and released when space at the Port of Dover or the Eurotunnel becomes available.

What traffic-control measures are in place?

The M20 in Kent has been closed for non-freight traffic between J8 (Maidstone) and J12 (Folkestone).

To help manage traffic flows, the M20 eastbound entry slip roads at J9, J10, and J11 are closed. The Londonbound carriageway is open to all traffic and flowing freely. As a result of the closure, motorists should expect delays on the M20 eastbound/coastbound on the approach to J8.

EU bound freight traffic, in addition to being queued on the M20 coastbound carriageway, is also queued on the coastbound contraflow to help manage capacity.

These additional measures will increase travel time but will help keep traffic moving. Drivers planning to travel in or through Kent should plan ahead of time, follow diversion signs, check before they travel, and allow plenty of extra time. These additional measures will be monitored.

Those travelling to the Port of Dover or Eurotunnel should also check with their operator before departing and bring some food and water in case they are delayed. Travelers to the Port of Dover should take the M2/A2.

HGV drivers heading to Eurotunnel or the Port of Dover are reminded to use the M20 and join Operation Brock at M20 junction 8. Any EU-bound hauliers who do not comply with signage and attempt to jump the queue risk a £300 fine as well as being sent to the back of the queue by police or enforcement agents, wasting time, fuel, and money. This includes attempting to use the M2/A2 at Brenley Corner to avoid the M20.

KRF partners are deploying additional resources across Kent to keep traffic moving and to assist those who live, work, visit, or pass through the county.

Because of the safety implications, it has been impossible in many cases to provide welfare and related facilities. Queues that are constantly moving make it difficult and dangerous to deploy or distribute welfare. However, where it is safe and appropriate, welfare has been provided, and the KRF will continue to provide welfare to drivers where possible.

The Kent Resilience Forum appreciates the patience of the people of Kent and others affected by this ongoing disruption.

National Highways provides additional information via our www.trafficengland.com website and travel apps, as well as our regional twitter feed. Our contact centre team is also available 24/7 at 0300 123 5000 to provide up-to-date information.

More information about Operation Brock can be found on our dedicated page here.

Alternative Routes

*The diversion for all light vehicles, including cars (including tourist traffic bound for the Eurotunnel and the Port of Dover) and HGVs under 15’6 for local destinations, is:

Exit the M20 at J8 and take the third exit at the roundabout, then the first exit at the next roundabout onto the A20.
Continue on the A20 to Ashford, then take the fourth exit off the Drovers Roundabout onto the A28.
Follow the A28 to the second roundabout, where the B2229 intersects. Take the first exit, B2229 (Brookfield Road), and proceed to the second roundabout, where the A2042 intersects.
Continue on the A2042 and take the third exit to the east. At the first roundabout, take the first exit to the A2042.
Follow the A2042 to the A2070, then take the second exit at the first roundabout to continue on the A2070 to the M20 J10A roundabout.
Take the third exit onto the A20 and continue on the A20 to J12 of the M20.
Non-freight traffic can enter the Eurotunnel at J11A off the A20.
Due to heavy traffic on the A20 diversion route around the Eurotunnel entry, tourist traffic bound for the Port of Dover is advised to take the strategic diversion route outlined below:

After exiting the M20 at J7, take the first exit onto the A249 northbound.
Continue north on the A249 to the M2 J5, then east on the M2.
Continue east on the M2 to J7 Brenley Corner roundabout, then take the fourth exit onto the A2 eastbound.
Continue east on the A2 to the Port of Dover.