A section of the M20 has been shut under Operation Brock Zero following disruption caused by Storm Ciaran.

The motorway is closed coastbound between Junction 8 at Leeds Castle, Maidstone, and Junction 9 in Ashford, in the latest development as adverse weather pummels the coast.

This is to allow EU-bond freight vehicles to queue on the empty carriageway and has been brought into force because of delays resulting from the adverse weather today.

Whilst the M20 is closed, freight will be separated into two queues on either side of the carriageway. One will be on the hard shoulder while the other will be in lane three.

The two queues will be for Eurotunnel traffic and Port of Dover traffic. Space is left in the middle of the motorway to allow for emergency vehicles through. Queues are released when capacity is available at the ports.

Non-freight traffic is diverted onto the A20 to rejoin the M20 in front of the queue.

Operation Brock – a different stage which allows non-freight traffic to use the motorway while lorries queue – was also enforced between the same junctions earlier this afternoon.

National Highways is urging drivers to allow extra time for their journeys due to the closure.

National Highways South East Regional Operations Manager, Mark Hallett, said: "I would urge anyone travelling in the area to allow extra time to complete their journey. Along with our partners in the KRF we have carefully planned contingency plans to help keep Kent moving when we do encounter delays at the ports.

"We understand the inconvenience this can cause and appreciate the patience of road users. The situation will continue to be closely monitored and we will keep you updated on any changes or the removal of the closure."

Chief Supt Simon Alland, of Kent Police's Tactical Operations Command, added: “The closure of the M20 is an emergency measure that is only used following consultation with our partners in the Kent Resilience Forum (KRF) and after a thorough assessment of issues including public safety and traffic volumes.

“The KRF will continue to monitor the situation over the next 24 hours.”