The Kent Resilience Forum (KRF) has confirmed that traffic controls on the M20 motorway will remain in place until after the Queen’s Jubilee celebrations, as ferry capacity at Dover continues to be limited. This decision follows a combination of factors causing delays, including reduced cross-Channel ferry services, the upcoming school half-term holiday, and a surge of football fans travelling to Paris for the UEFA Champions League final.
National Highways will maintain the M20 traffic controls managing freight heading to Europe until the early hours of Sunday, 5 June. This extension allows essential work to relocate the moveable barrier at the centre of the Brock traffic system back to the central reservation to continue.
Simon Jones, Strategic Planning Lead at the Kent Resilience Forum, stated: “We’re not ready to ditch the traffic controls just yet. With the next busy holiday period fast approaching, keeping the scheme in place is vital to keep Kent moving and minimise disruption for residents and tourists alike.”
In response to the pressure on ferry services, Irish Ferries has added an additional ship to its Dover fleet, and P&O has resumed limited services. However, two P&O ferries remain out of service undergoing safety checks and sea trials. The final weekend of May is expected to be particularly busy as families travel for half-term and thousands of football supporters head to Paris for the Champions League final.
Supporters without tickets are advised to contact their travel operators before travelling to Kent to avoid disappointment.
Nicola Bell, National Highways’ South East Regional Director, warned: “Though frustrating, keeping the M20 controls is the best way to reduce gridlock and protect communities and businesses. We’ll scrap them as soon as it’s safe to do so.”
While Brock traffic management is in place, all EU-bound freight must use the M20 from Junction 8 coastbound and follow signage carefully. Drivers are encouraged to check routes before travelling, plan breaks, and allow extra journey time. Weekend roadworks on the M2 will continue but remain under review as congestion challenges persist.
Originally published by UKNIP.
