Operation Brock begins to prepare M20 for possible no-deal Brexit
Written by News on 28/10/2019
Operation Brock will be in place from 6am today to prepare for the UK’s exit from the European Union at the end of the month.
The operation affects the M20 in Kent and is aimed at keeping traffic moving if there is disruption to services across the English Channel.
Lorries heading for mainland Europe will be sent along the coastbound carriageway, where they can be queued if needed.
There will be a 30mph speed limit on this part of the road.
The M20 will be kept open in both directions for other vehicles by using a contraflow on the London-bound carriageway between junctions 8 and 9 (from Maidstone to Ashford).
The two lanes in each direction will have a speed limit of 50mph.
Drivers should check conditions before setting out and, if they are crossing the channel, check with their service operator for updates.
Highways England south east operations director Nicola Bell said: “We have worked extensively with our partners in Kent to ensure that the county is as prepared as possible for any disruption to cross-channel services.”
Parts of the M20 were closed during the weekend so the road could be prepared.
The UK government is waiting to hear whether the EU will grant an extension to allow more time for Prime Minister Boris Johnson to get a Brexit deal approved by parliament.
Mr Johnson has reluctantly written to the EU to ask for a three-month Brexit delay – by extending the Article 50 negotiating period to 31 January.
The bloc is likely to provide its answer this week but, until they do, the UK is preparing to leave the EU on 31 October without a deal.
Highways England said Operation Brock could be stood down if it is no longer needed.
Sky News is broadcasting a Brexit-free channel, weekdays 5pm to 10pm on Sky 523
(c) Sky News 2019: Operation Brock begins to prepare M20 for possible no-deal Brexit
