Operation Brock deployed to avert freight delays as P&O ferry crisis continues

Operation Brock has been re-introduced today (22 March) after moveable barriers were deployed on the M20 in Kent last night, according to National Highways.

The traffic control strategy saw the M20 closed between Juntion 8 and 9 last night to allow for 14,000 concrete blocks and 8,000 cones to be put in place. The section was reopened at 6am today.

National Highways said Operation Brock has been reintroduced as a precaution, due to reduced ferry capacity at the Port of Dover, following P&O's decision last week to sack 800 ferry workers and suspend services whilst it recruits cheaper agency labour to run the ships.

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Operation Brock will keep the M20 open in both directions by using a contraflow on the M20 London-bound carriageway between junctions 8 and 9 (between Maidstone and Ashford) with lorries heading for mainland Europe being directed onto the coastbound carriageway, where they can be queued if necessary.

All other traffic, including local freight and cars heading for the Channel will directed onto the contraflow on the M20 London-bound carriageway.

Kent Resilience Forum said the decision had been taken to "ensure a smooth flow of traffic through the county", adding that there was "sufficient capacity" to accommodate displaced P&O freight.