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The reinstatement of traffic management system Operation Brock in Kent will provide certainty to hauliers but must not result in lengthy queues for HGV drivers, according to Logistics UK.

The Kent Resilience Forum (KRF) said it had decided to bring back the measure between junction 8 and 9 of the M20 due to significantly increased cross channel bookings for tourist traffic, as well as hauliers heading back to the continent for the festive break.

KRF strategic lead Simon Jones said: “The indications from Eurotunnel and the Port of Dover are that the next couple of weeks will see some busy peak periods, so KRF needed to act on the prospect of increased traffic during the winter getaway as the schools break up, coupled with the potential for bad weather causing delays.

“We do appreciate people’s patience while Operation Brock is in place, which is how we currently try to minimise disruption.”

Logistics UK said early implementation of the traffic measure should keep traffic flowing through Kent and the South East.

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However, its policy director Kate Jennings also said: “It is important that vehicles waiting in the Operation Brock queues are held for the minimum amount of time, and that potential delays are communicated clearly and in a timely fashion.

“With the current extreme cold snap, it is vital, in the event of a substantial holdup, that drivers are redirected towards welfare facilities.

“Logistics UK is also urging drivers to plan ahead and ensure they are equipped with sufficient supplies should there be delays, and will be liaising closely with the authorities to ensure that the welfare of drivers remains a priority.”

Jennings added that the government needed to work with their French counterparts to find a long-term solution to border delays: “Logistics is the lifeblood of the UK economy, not just during the festive season, and it is not acceptable to leave the industry’s key workers parked at the side of motorways for any periods of time.”

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