Brock back for busy summer

Kent Resilience Forum (KRF) leaders would like to thank residents, businesses, drivers and hauliers for their patience as Operation Brock is set to return to the M20 ahead of the summer getaway.

The KRF’s Strategic Planning Lead Simon Jones is also urging people to plan their cross-Channel journeys, including booking ahead, to help keep Kent moving and open for business this summer.

With a busy July and August predicted on Dover ferries and Eurotunnel, the contraflow at the heart of the Brock traffic management scheme will be reinstated overnight on Sunday 10 July.

The altered road layout between Junctions 8 and 9 reduces the impact of disruption by directing lorries heading for mainland Europe onto the motorway’s coastbound carriageway, where they can be queued if necessary, while all other traffic can continue on its journey in both directions.

The installation of Brock means lorries heading to the Continent are legally required to follow the signed HGV routes to the Port of Dover and Eurotunnel.

National Highways’ works to relocate the barrier that creates the contraflow permanently to the central reservation will again be suspended until Brock is lifted once the threat of major disruption has eased.

KRF Strategic Planning Lead Simon Jones, said: “Port of Dover and Eurotunnel are both reporting high booking numbers through July and August, with an increase in tourist traffic from Friday 15th July, and Friday 22 to Sunday 24 July set to be particularly busy, as tens of thousands of families head to Europe during the school holiday season.

People needing to drive in or through Kent this summer should also follow simple steps to ensure they reach their destination safely by following a few simple steps including:

• CHECKING your route before you travel
• ALLOWING extra time for your journey
• CHECKING your vehicle’s tyres before you set off to avoid an unnecessary breakdown, and
• PACKING your car with essentials, including food, water, medicines you take regularly and essentials you may need if travelling with children.

For where to go for the latest traffic and travel updates in Kent visit: Check before you travel – Kent County Council

For more information on Operation Brock visit National Highways’ website here and for more information about checking your vehicle before travelling visit here