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More on KentOnline
Footage showing a lorry driver's near miss on the M20 has raised fears about the safety of Operation Brock.
The video, taken on dashcam, shows two lorries heading coastbound towards Ashford.
But the second HGV, originally in the outside lane, almost misses the turn off for junction 9, and has to switch lanes at the last minute.
The lorry driver's near miss on the M20 Operation Brock contraflow
The driver ends up crossing over chevrons and then narrowly misses hitting two rows of cones.
The near-miss has raised questions over how clear the contra-flow system is to use, as well as questions over whether there is adequate signage.
The driver of the car from which the dashcam footage was taken says the signs are not clear.
He said: "Perhaps a lack of overhead signage is the cause?
"Or perhaps by that point, you’re used to seeing so many non-relevant signs for the westbound stacking area, you get blind to the roadworks style yellow signage being of use for navigation."
On matters of safety, the driver, who wished to remain anonymous, said: "It's better than the lane widths of last year with the numerous truck fires and accidents.
"Roadwork/controlled sections of a motorway in the UK always feel pressed for space - hence the limited speed.
"Who knows what would have been the case had there not been room for the lorry to merge, aside from cones everywhere."
Operation Brock was initiated last week by Highways England in preparation for potential delays at the Port of Dover caused by Brexit.
HGVs are being put on the coastbound stretch between junctions 8 for Maidstone and 9 for Ashford, with all other traffic using the London-bound carriagway.
There are two lanes in each direction and a 50 mile per hour speed limit.
But since it was launched the scheme has received much criticism.
Leader of the opposition at Kent County Council for the Liberal Democrat group Cllr Rob Bird said: “Since it has been in place this week there have been four road traffic collisions.
"The narrow lanes are not just dangerous - it makes it very difficult for emergency services to cover any incident.”
But Highways England say the system is running smoothly.
A Highways England spokesperson said: "The M20 contraflow, which was deployed for the first time last week as part of Operation Brock is operating safely.
"The arrangements enable the M20 to remain open in both direction in the event of disruption, and has been designed so that any incidents that occur can be resolved quickly and safely.
"We are working closely with the emergency services and have agreed priority arrangements to emergency services to access all incident types.
"We are keeping the performance of Operation Brock continually under review with our partners in the Kent Resilience Forum, and we urge drivers to drive with extra care and attention while they get used to this new road layout."
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