M20 Operation Brock contraflow to be deactivated

We will deactivate the Operation Brock contraflow system on the M20 overnight between Sunday 7 and Monday 8 April

We implemented the contraflow on the M20 between junctions 8 (for Maidstone) and 9 (at Ashford) over Easter as a contingency measure due to expected high passenger numbers. Our Kent Resilience Forum partners have agreed it’s the right time to deactivate it.

Closures

To safely remove the contraflow, We will close the M20:

London bound from junction 9 to 8
coastbound from junction 7 to 9

The closure will be overnight from 8pm on Sunday 7 April to 6am on Monday 8 April.

While the M20 is closed, clearly signed diversion routes will be in place to help you reach your destination. The diversion route will be the M20/A249/M2/A2/A20/M20 for the closure between junction 7-9 and the reverse for the closure between junction 9-8.

Please remember that closure details can change at short notice. For the most up-to-date information, please visit our daily closures page.

You can also use this link to check the status of the Operation Brock contraflow

Once we've removed the contraflow, we'll re-open both carriageways with three lanes and the national speed limit back in place.

While the contraflow is in operation

Until the contraflow is removed this Sunday evening, please follow all signs and directions.

HGVs

When Operation Brock is in force, HGVs are legally required to use the signed routes for journeys to Port of Dover and Eurotunnel.

If you're an HGV driver heading for the Port of Dover or Eurotunnel, you must follow signs to join Operation Brock at M20 junction 8.

You risk incurring a £300 fine if you:

don't obey signs
try to use other routes to Eurotunnel or the Port of Dover (including trying to bypass the M20 by using the M2/A2 at Brenley Corner)

You'll also waste your time, fuel and money as police or enforcement agents will send you to the back of the queue.

Other coast bound traffic

All other coast bound traffic (including local freight and car drivers heading for the continent) should follow signs and cross over to enter the contraflow on the M20 London bound carriageway.

Did you know:

in 2022, 30% of car occupant fatalities among 17- to 29-year-olds were not wearing seat belts.
young men are more likely to be inconsistent wearers of seat belts
research highlights this is a particular issue on short, familiar journeys at night

We want you to be safe when you're driving on our roads.

That's why we're supporting the THINK! Click is the sound campaign encouraging young men to wear their seat belts, whatever the journey, whether they’re a driver or a passenger.