Operation Brock is a traffic management system designed to keep Kent’s roads open in the event of disruption at the Port of Dover and Eurotunnel.

When Operation Brock is in force, HGVs travelling to Port of Dover and Eurotunnel must use the signed routes only.

Enforcement officials will be deployed to intercept vehicles trying to use alternative routes. Drivers who are caught will be turned around and risk a £300 fine.

Kent Police take decisions on when to use the different phases of the system, depending on the scale of any disruption. Options include:

-A20 Dover TAP - A queuing system which holds lorries until space becomes available at the port.

-M20 moveable barrier - A concrete barrier than can be deployed quickly between junctions 8 and 9 of the M20 to install a contraflow. HGVs bound for Dover and/or Eurotunnel will be held on the coastbound carriageway.

-Manston Airfield - An off-road site designed to hold traffic heading for the Port of Dover. Border readiness checks will take place here to ensure hauliers have the correct paperwork.

-Ashford Sevington Inland Border Facility - An off-road site next to junction 10A of the M20, likely to be used if the M20 contraflow approaches capacity. Signs, diversions, and speed restrictions will be in place to help drivers reach the designated holding areas. Failure to comply with instructions may result in fines and delays.

Driver welfare

Drivers who plan to travel through Kent in early 2021 should be aware that there is potential for disruption in the event of delays at the border.

Plan your journey to ensure you take breaks and rest periods before entering Kent to minimise the risk of hitting drivers’ hours limits. Make sure you have enough food and water. Welfare will be available for drivers stuck in stationary queues for extended periods of time.

Check an HGV is Ready to Cross the Border service

Hauliers travelling to the Port of Dover or Eurotunnel need to use the Check an HGV service to get a Kent Access Permit and check they have the right EU import and commodities documents for the goods they are carrying.

All HGVs that are travelling to the EU via the Short Straits will need to have a valid Kent Access Permit (KAP), whether they are carrying goods or not.

If an HGV is empty or carrying post, the driver should still declare this on the Check an HGV service and obtain a valid KAP.

You can be fined £300 if you do not use the service when you travel via the Port of Dover or Eurotunnel, or if you provide a fraudulent declaration.

The service will be available via GOV.UK from the week commencing 14 December 2020. Hauliers making local journeys, or travelling within Kent, will not require a Kent Access Permit.