Motorists warned of May bank holiday delays as traffic measures launch on major motorway

The contraflow system will be in place along a 13-mile section of the M20 between Junctions 8 (Maidstone) and 9 (Ashford).

The system comes after National Highways warned it expects traffic to peak over the May bank holiday weekend, with a larger portion of drivers heading to the Kent ports.

Do you have a story you'd like to share? Get in touch by emailingmotoring@gbnews.uk

Operation Brock is part of a series of measures put in place to improve the flow of traffic in the region and is often used to alleviate traffic and congestion near the English Channel.

While the traffic measures are in action, National Highways explained that fully signed diversion routes will be displayed to help drivers avoid delays.

"These times have been chosen to minimise disruption to road users and ensure the roads are suitable for the traffic," the agency said.

Drivers have also been advised to follow the diversion signs rather than their sat nav instructions, which may not reflect the most up-to-date changes.

When the M20 reopens, the contraflow system will be active, with drivers needing to follow all signs. Once the barrier is in place, all HGVs heading for the Port of Dover or Eurotunnel will thenbe required to follow the signs to join Operation Brock at M20 Junction 8.

National Highways shared: "When there’s any sort of disruption in the channel, HGV traffic on the M20 heading for the Port of Dover or the Eurotunnel has nowhere to go.

"Brock is a contraflow that can be set up overnight. It separates traffic into different lanes across both carriageways and keeps the M20 and other local roads open and moving.

"It means, once the contraflow is in, if you’re on the M20 but not going to the port or the Eurotunnel, you can continue your journey as normal. At the same time, it helps control how port-bound HGVs make their way to the Port of Dover or the Eurotunnel."

Other road users, including local freight and car drivers heading to and from Europe, should follow the signs and crossover to enter the contraflow on the M20 London-bound carriageway.

Simon Jones, Kent and Medway Resilience Forum Strategic Lead for border disruption, said: "If Op Brock is not in use and there are delays at the Port of Dover, this has a knock-on effect on the surrounding roads - causing unjustified disruption to local communities.

"This decision is not taken lightly and is informed by data which tells us we are very likely to see increased traffic heading to Europe."

Jones explained that if traffic starts to build at the Port of Dover and/or Eurotunnel, drivers are advised to check their route before setting off.

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:

• Diesel cars dominate UK sales as drivers praise 'fuel efficiency' making vehicles a 'practical choice'
• Labour delays self-driving vehicles until 2027 as UK fails to have 'right conditions' for revolutionary tech
• Cyclists labelled more dangerous to pedestrians than cars as riders face new prison sentences

Motorists should also allow extra time for the journey and pack the car with a few essentials including food, water, regular medication and necessary provisions if caught up in traffic.