Kent, UK – Operation Brock, the traffic management system implemented on the M20 motorway to handle the surge in cross-channel traffic during the summer, will be lifted this weekend after a successful run. The system, which played a crucial role in maintaining smooth traffic flow through Kent, will be removed overnight from Sunday, September 1, into Monday, September 2.

This summer saw cross-channel bookings reach their highest levels in years, driven by holidaymakers and travellers heading to the Paris Olympics and Paralympics via the Port of Dover and Le Shuttle. Despite the increased traffic, the combination of Operation Brock and the Dover Traffic Assessment Project (TAP) on the A20, which regulates the flow of lorries to the port, ensured that the region’s road network remained operational with minimal disruption.

The Kent and Medway Resilience Forum (KMRF) also introduced a permit system for freight drivers, which required drivers to have a permit to pass through the Brock barrier on the M20. The system discouraged drivers from attempting to bypass the controls, significantly improving compliance and reducing congestion on local roads.

Dover TAP was activated 22 times since Operation Brock was installed for the summer getaway on July 10. Additionally, Operation Brock itself went into the control phase nine times between July 12 and August 12, effectively managing the flow of trucks to the Port of Dover and Le Shuttle.

Thanks to these measures, the east-bound Round Hill tunnel at Folkestone remained open throughout the summer, avoiding the need for closures that would have resulted from freight queues extending into the tunnel. Traffic management measures at Brenley Corner were also successfully removed.

KMRF Tactical Lead Toby Howe commented on the success of the operation:

“We have had an excellent team from across the KMRF partnership, including the emergency services, district councils, ports, and government agencies, working hard throughout the summer to ensure any issues have been quickly identified and dealt with, helping to keep the road network moving and our east Kent communities protected.

“There were some really busy traffic days during July and August, but Brock and TAP, the main tools currently available to us, have served to do their jobs really effectively.

As Operation Brock is lifted, a section of the M20 will be temporarily closed overnight with diversions in place, allowing the motorway to return to standard two-way traffic.

Looking ahead, KMRF is preparing for the introduction of the EU’s new Entry-Exit System (EES) in November, which will bring additional biometric checks at the border. Discussions are ongoing with the Department for Transport, the Home Office, the Port of Dover, and Le Shuttle to understand the potential impact on the road network and to develop a long-term replacement for Operation Brock and Dover TAP.

Residents, businesses, tourists, and hauliers are thanked for their patience and cooperation during this busy summer period. Travellers planning to use the Port of Dover or Le Shuttle in the coming weeks are still advised to plan ahead and check with their operator before setting off.