The M20 will shut tonight as a controversial 50mph contraflow is lifted.

Operation Block has been deployed between Ashford and Maidstone since December 15.

The scheme closed lanes in both directions between Junctions 8 at Leeds Castle and Junction 9 for Ashford.

The 50mph limit will be lifted tonight (December 22) and all lanes will be reopened.

The M20 will be closed in both directions from 8pm to 5am while the barriers and cones are moved.

Operation Brock allows lorries to queue on the motorway in the event Dover Tap - a traffic management system closer to the port - fills up.

The decision to deploy Brock has been criticised by Ashford’s MP due to the inconvenience it causes his constituents.

Sofan Joseph says he hoped port bosses could cope with Christmas traffic without having to resort to “emergency measures”.

The Port of Dover and Eurotunnel had both forecast their peak tourist traveller numbers this weekend with the majority of schools breaking up for the festive holidays.

Strong winds yesterday were also predicted to cause delays according to the Met Office.