Highways chiefs say they had considered using a moveable barrier along the M20 in place of Operation Brock - but could not guarantee it would be ready in time.

Bosses have faced questions over why they did not choose a moveable barrier instead of implementing a controversial contraflow along the M20 London-bound between Junctions 8 for Leeds Castle and 9 for Ashford as part of Brexit contingency plans.

Last week, officials announced plans to use a new scheme along the motorway to keep traffic moving in the event of delays caused by problems at the Channel ports.

The use of a barrier was first trialled along the M20 back in 2008 but was never used and was decommissioned in 2012.

In a statement, Highways England said it could not guarantee that a contract could be agreed ahead of the Brexit deadline.

It said: “Quick moveable barrier technology was considered, however we were unable to guarantee procurement in time for the end of March 2019, when such a solution would have been required as part of the UK’s departure from the EU under no deal contingency planning.”

Questions have also been raised as to why the government has returned to the idea of a barrier given that it was never fully tested.

Highways England has explained that since 2008, the improvements in technology used for similar barriers outside the UK means they can be deployed much faster.

It could now be set up within hours and could be used flexibly on any stretch of the M20.

Highways England said: “We have been constantly reviewing ways to keep Kent’s roads open during cross-Channel disruption following the closure of the M20 in 2015.

“There is now more capacity in the system using the A20 TAP, and at ports.

“However we and Kent partners want the ability to provide more holding capacity as the case for managing disruption has evolved since 2008.

"The equipment was not considered the best use of public money at the time..."

“The machine used in 2008 was at the time the only one of its type available in the UK.

“The contract was terminated in 2012 as the equipment did not provide a full traffic management capability and was not considered the best use of public money at the time.

“Moveable barrier technology has developed considerably in the last 10 years and has become more widely used since 2008."

“The new machine allows faster deployment times and will be integrated into a full traffic management capability.”

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