The M20 will close between Ashford and Maidstone tonight while the Operation Brock contraflow is brought back for the summer holidays.

Highways bosses are introducing the controversial scheme to reduce cross-channel disruption as high volumes of traffic are expected this month and into August.

It will close London-bound from Junction 9 for Ashford, to Junction 8 for Maidstone, from 11pm today until 5am tomorrow.

The coast-bound carriageway will then close from 8pm on Sunday until 6am on Monday from Junction 7 in Maidstone to Junction 9 while the changes are made.

A fully signed diversion route will be in place while the M20 is closed.

While Brock has been stood down over recent weeks, the 50mph limit and the concrete barrier have remained in place while roadworks to upgrade the central reservation to permanently house the barrier have continued.

These works, carried out by National Highways contractors, will be suspended while the traffic management system is in place.

The altered road layout between Junctions 8 and 9 is designed to reduce the impact of disruption across Kent by directing lorries heading to Europe onto the motorway’s coast-bound carriageway, where they can be queued if necessary, while all other traffic can continue in both directions.

It means lorries heading to the continent are legally required to follow the signed HGV routes to the Port of Dover and Eurotunnel.

It is not yet known how long it will be in place for, however Kent Resilience Forum (KRF) says it will keep it under review.

KRF strategic planning lead Simon Jones, said: “Port of Dover and Eurotunnel are both reporting high booking numbers through July and August, with an increase in tourist traffic from Friday, July 15, and Friday, July 22 to Sunday, July 24, set to be particularly busy, as tens of thousands of families head to Europe during the school holiday season.

“Combined with routine freight and local traffic, plus tourists travelling to our own great beaches and visitor attractions, we know Kent’s roads will be heavily used.

“We are committed to keeping the deployment of the barrier under constant review and removing it as soon as possible ..."

“KRF partners have agreed to implement Brock to ensure that if we need to step up managing EU-bound freight to protect local communities, keep Kent and goods moving as smoothly as possible and give people the opportunity to reach their destination quickly and safely over this period, we can quickly do so.”

Nicola Bell, National Highways regional director, said: “Along with our Kent Resilience Forum partners, we believe Operation Brock to be the best way to allow the local communities and businesses to go about their daily business with minimal disruption.

“We’ve seen in the past how the moveable barrier on the M20 works well, enabling the steady flow of freight into Eurotunnel and the Port of Dover while ensuring motorists can get to where they need to, whatever the circumstances.

“We are committed to keeping the deployment of the barrier under constant review and removing it as soon as possible.

"Meanwhile, I would like to thank everyone for their patience during this time and urge hauliers to follow the signs on the M20 and stick to the official route.”