Operation Brock begins on Kent motorways in preparation for no-deal Brexit

A plan to manage traffic on a Kent motorway has been activated as part of no-deal Brexit preparations.

The action comes three days before the UK was set to leave the EU – however the EU has now agreed to an extension to January 31^st.

The operation, which began at 6am today, sees one side of the M20 being used for solely HGVs heading to cross-Channel ports.

Lorries heading for Europe will face a 30mph limit on a 13-mile stretch of the coastbound carriage of the M20.

All other traffic on the road, including lorries carrying out UK deliveries, must use a 50mph contraflow of two lanes in each direction on the London-bound side of the motorway.

Several holding areas to park lorries are available if needed, including at Manston Airfield.

Nicola Bell, Highways England south east operations director, said: “We have worked extensively with our partners inn Kent to ensure that the country is prepared as possible for any disruption to cross-channel services.”

Motorists are being warned to make sure they have food and water in their vehicles in case of delays, and to allow for extra time to travel.

Operation Brock was first deployed on March 25^th, four days ahead of the initial planned Brexit date.