Motorists gearing up for the Bank Holiday weekend are set to face further frustration as Operation Brock is deployed once again on the M20 motorway.

The contraflow system will be implemented on a 13-mile stretch of the M20 between Junction 8 for Leeds Castle and Junction 9 at Ashford. This measure comes in anticipation of heavy traffic during the upcoming Bank Holiday weekend.

Scheduled for deployment next Wednesday, May 22, the M20 will be closed overnight between Maidstone and Ashford. The closure will affect London-bound traffic from Junction 9 to 8 and coastbound traffic from Junction 7 to 9, lasting from 8pm Wednesday to 6am Thursday.

National Highways assures that fully signed diversion routes will be in place to mitigate disruption to road users. Once the barrier is installed, all heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) bound for the Port of Dover or Eurotunnel must adhere to signage and join Operation Brock at M20 junction 8. Failure to comply may result in a £300 fine and relegation to the back of the queue by law enforcement.

Motorists heading for Eurotunnel and the Port of Dover are advised to plan their journeys accordingly, check with travel operators for updates, and prepare for potential delays by ensuring they have sufficient fuel and supplies.

Operation Brock, a traffic management system designed to manage congestion in the event of disruptions at the Channel ports, has been deployed intermittently during periods of increased cross-Channel traffic. Its implementation aims to maintain traffic flow and ensure the safety of all road users during peak travel times.

As Bank Holiday travellers prepare for their journeys, vigilance and patience will be key to navigating the anticipated congestion on the M20 motorway.