A Kent MP has renewed her criticism of the decision to trigger Operation Brock, saying that blocking up the county’s roads whenever there is a school holiday is wrong.

Faversham and Mid Kent MP Helen Whately believes there needs to be an alternative arrangement to managing traffic on the M20 and that the authorities are too quick to implement the system.

The motorway will be closed between Maidstone and Ashford overnight tomorrow to allow the Operation Brock contraflow to be deployed, ahead of the Easter holidays.

Ms Whately said: “I am deeply disappointed by the return of Operation Brock. Blocking up Kent’s roads every school holiday isn't fair on residents or businesses, and I've written to the Transport Secretary making that clear.”

"Operation Brock was designed for exceptional circumstances, such as strikes or extreme weather, and I'm concerned by how frequently it's being implemented. It may help manage traffic heading for the continent, but it makes journeys much harder for people getting on with their daily lives closer to home.

"Delays at the ports are a national issue, and I want to see a national solution as soon as possible.”

The decision to install Operation Brock was announced last week by National Highways. It said record numbers of holiday-makers were forecast to be travelling to the continent for the Easter break.

Once the barrier is in place, all HGVs heading to the Port of Dover or Eurotunnel should follow the signs to join Operation Brock at Junction 8 of the M20.

Any EU-bound HGVs not complying with signage and trying to use another route to Eurotunnel or the Port of Dover risk a fine of £300. They will also be sent to the back of the queue by police or enforcement agents, wasting time, fuel, and money. This includes trying to bypass the M20 by using the M2/A2 at Brenley Corner.