Operation Brock

However, with the possibility of a higher administrative overhead at the Port of Dover post-Brexit[1] and an increase in freight traffic, protocols needed to be strengthened and Operation Brock was formed.

Operation Brock was scheduled to be ready for activation no later than the date of the UK's exit from the European Union, 31 January 2020.

HGVs will be released in intervals at Western Heights Roundabout to the west of Dover, in order to avoid clogging up the only main road through the town.

As Operation Brock was not used due to Brexit being delayed, the decision was made to partially revert the M20 back to its original state.

This was done by reopening the eastbound carriageway fully, and keeping the steel barrier in the event that Operation Brock would have to be activated again in the following months due to the uncertainty of Brexit.

This has decreased safety to motorists travelling on the M20 whether Operation Brock is in force or not, as if they breakdown they are in a live lane and there are no warnings to other traffic like there are on Smart motorways.

[11] 21 December 2020 – Barrier is moved into place and Operation Brock activated due to the French Border being closed as a result of Coronavirus.

[14] 28 January 2022 – Work, expected to take approximately 1 year, begins to move the barriers stored position from the hard shoulder to the central reservation.

[15] 25 March 2022 – Operation Brock contraflow is activated after the P&O sacking of 800 staff incident as a precaution against disruption at Dover.

Lane closures and speed limits are still in force between Junctions 8 and 9 to resume the previous works to move the barrier storage location.