Operation Brock is due to return to the M20 ahead of the festive period.

The contraflow traffic system is set to make its comeback on Sunday, December 11 between junction 8 for Leeds Castle and junction 9 for Ashford.

This is due to projected traffic volumes heading to Kent's ports, including in Dover and at the Eurotunnel in Folkestone, in the coming weeks.

Bosses at the Kent Resilience Forum (KRF) say traffic flows will be continually monitored throughout the holiday period and Brock will be removed as soon as possible, once the impact of disruption has reduced.

The altered road layout sees lorries heading to the coast use one side of the M20 while all other traffic is restricted to a contraflow system on the opposite side.

This means that motorists travelling this direction won't be delayed if there are large numbers of HGVs heading to the ports.

Lorries going to mainland Europe are legally required to follow the signed HGV routes to the Port of Dover and Eurotunnel when Brock is on.

It also sees the speed limit reduced to 50mph.

KRF strategic planning lead Simon Jones, said: "We recognise that the cost-of-living crisis could have an impact on people’s travel plans this year as Covid has had on the past two Christmases.

"But Kent businesses and venues will be pulling out all the stops this year with some fantastic events and attractions and we want to make sure there is as little disruption as possible."

Sean Martell, National Highways head of service delivery, said: “Ensuring the smooth flow of traffic through Kent is a top priority and we, along with our fellow Kent Resilience Forum partners, have taken the joint decision to activate the Operation Brock contraflow from the morning of Monday, December 12.

“While we understand this won't be welcome news for some, the decision was made taking several factors into consideration, including high peak passenger numbers.

"The crucial thing about the contraflow system is that it keeps Kent open and traffic moving in all but the most extreme circumstances.

"It’s also important that everyone follows the signs. Any HGV freight trying to jump the queue by using Brenley Corner will be turned back."

Operation Brock was removed at the beginning of September, but the 50mph speed limit remained in place due to work to widen the central reservation.

The middle of the motorway is being widened to allow the concrete barrier usually stored on the London-bound hard shoulder to be moved there.