Bosses at National Highways were confident their traffic management plan on the M20 would only cause "minimal disruption".

But the introduction of Operation Brock - and lorry drivers' attempts to avoid it - has resulted in chaos, with the motorway being shut and Dover coming to a standstill.

Labelled the "worst decision in Brock history", the multi-million pound contraflow system was reintroduced last week due to cross-Channel delays.

The moveable barrier between Junction 8 for Maidstone and 9 for Ashford is supposed to ensure the continued operation of the M20, to allow traffic to travel in both directions should lorries be stacked up.

Yet the 14-mile coastbound stretch is today closed for non-freight traffic.

In a statement released to KentOnline on Thursday, National Highways regional director Nicola Bell was confident the Brock plan would work.

"Ensuring the smooth flow of traffic in Kent is a top priority and along with our Kent Resilience Forum partners believe Operation Brock to be the best way to allow the local communities and businesses to go about their daily business with minimal disruption," she said.

"We've seen in the past how the moveable barrier on the M20 works well, enabling the steady flow of freight into Eurotunnel and the Port of Dover while ensuring motorists can get to where they need to with minimum fuss, whatever the circumstances.

"I would urge hauliers to follow the signs on the M20 and stick to the official route or they risk a fine and being turned back."

National Highways says failure to do so could lead to the driver being fined up to £300.

However, the prospect of being hit with a penalty has failed to deter HGV drivers from avoiding the M20 and opting to head down the A2 instead.

As a result, Dover cannot be accessed via both the A2 or A20.

It means Dover is encircled by stationary lorries, with a host of HGVs parked up on junctions and roundabouts near to the town centre.

The hope of there only being "minimal disruption" to residents has not become reality, as Dover is now cut off.

Residents cannot go out by car to the shops or to work, while those in Folkestone and Hawkinge are also affected.

National Highways says it is in constant contact with the government and its partners to ensure the best decisions are taken.

Yesterday it said the deployment of Brock was "under continual review". The authority has been approached for comment today.

One fed-up motorist fumed: "This has to be the worst decision in Brock history after implementing it to prevent exactly the delays and problems highways are now causing by the closure.

"Why did we spend millions of taxpayers' money to not use it correctly?"

Some of the HGV drivers stuck in the queues have been there for more than 24 hours.