Published: 18ΤΟΥ Μάιος 2026
The Port of Dover and Eurotunnel are forecasting a busy period for tourist traffic as people prepare to travel over the late May bank holiday and half term.
To help keep traffic moving through Dover and reduce congestion on local roads, the Kent and Medway Resilience Forum has agreed to deploy Operation Brock on the M20 for a limited period as a precautionary measure.
Operation Brock will be deployed on the M20 London-bound carriageway between Junctions 8 και 9 overnight on Tuesday 19th May, meaning the contraflow system will be in place from Wednesday 20th May.
It is expected to be removed on the evening of Tuesday 26th May, with the motorway reopening as normal on Wednesday 27th May.
The contraflow system helps reduce the risk of the Roundhill Tunnel needing to close because of queuing lorries. It also allows freight traffic to be held on the coastbound carriageway if the Dover TAP queuing system on the A20 becomes full.
As part of wider contingency planning, the KMRF has also activated an off-road site at Lydden Hill Race Circuit ahead of the May half term getaway. This site would only be used in an extreme scenario as a temporary area for passenger traffic travelling towards Dover, helping to keep Kent’s roads moving during any major disruption.
Simon Jones, Strategic Lead for Border Disruption for the Kent and Medway Resilience Forum, has reassured residents that the focus remains on keeping traffic moving and keeping communities in and around Dover and Folkestone safe.
Residents and businesses are encouraged to check the latest travel information before setting out, particularly during the busiest travel days.
Useful links:
- Dover District residents and businesses: Cross-channel traffic disruption
- Folkestone & Hythe residents and businesses: Roads and travel | Folkestone & Hythe District Council
- Kent road updates: Check before you travel – Kent County Council
- Social media updates: @KentHighways and @HighwaysSEAST on X