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Motorists vent fury at Kent roads as yet more traffic misery strikes daily commute

Operation Brock has been branded "ridiculous" and not fit for purpose as motorists fume following another day of motorway chaos.

It comes at a time when drivers are facing increased fuel costs, along with other traffic calming measures which have incensed those caught up in lengthy tailbacks.

Operation Brock has resumed on the M20 coastbound. Picture: Barry Goodwin
Operation Brock has resumed on the M20 coastbound. Picture: Barry Goodwin

Brock's moveable barriers aim to keep the M20 moving when services are disrupted across the Channel.

It was put in place last week as a precaution in response to reduced ferry capacity at Dover caused by operator P&O.

Travel authorities say the system helps minimise disruption but the barrier has proved unpopular with local residents.

John Rhodes said: "Putting Brock in place as a 'precaution' is not good enough for the travelling public or haulage.

"If you implemented the barrier, and only the barrier, and not 10 miles of cones this situation could have been avoided."

Traffic builds up on the M20. Picture: National Highways
Traffic builds up on the M20. Picture: National Highways

It has been deemed "unnecessary", a "fiasco" and a "waste of time and money".

Chris Mitchell said: "With the current roadworks it is so frustrating to sit in the queue as traffic from three junctions merge and to see no work being done. Brock is another appalling waste of money."

Jonathan Davis added the scheme needs to be lifted, and said: "It is absolutely ridiculous. There is no joined up thinking and no common sense. It is so dangerous too."

Drivers are also facing commute nightmares when using the notorious Brenley Corner roundabout in Faversham.

Motorists are facing yet more delays while restrictions are in place to allow highways officials to turn Dover-bound lorries trying to use the M2/A2 corridor around.

Two lanes have been reduced to one to allow HGVs heading to the ports to be diverted to rejoin the Operation Brock queues on the M20 at Junction 8.

Brenley Corner roundabout at Faversham
Brenley Corner roundabout at Faversham

It has caused widespread disruption on the county's road, which have been worsened by a number of accidents in the area.

Joe Mainland labelled the move "unnecessary" and urged traffic planners to "scrap it completely".

He said: "It is causing traffic mayhem and chaos around Faversham and surrounding areas.

"Last year you stopped using this ridiculous method, and I understand it was not to be brought back, yet here we are. Scrap it completely, it’s dangerous and chaotic."

Another angry motorist called for more involvement from the police to tackle the queues.

Lorries queue on the A20 into Dover. Picture: Barry Goodwin
Lorries queue on the A20 into Dover. Picture: Barry Goodwin

"So once again people who are going nowhere near the port are being inconvenienced more than those using the M20," they said.

"When are you going to realise that Brenley is not a suitable location and more importantly when are Kent Police going to show a presence on the M2 to deal with this?"

Motorists' frustrations stretch as far as the Kent coastline, with Dover TAP repeatedly rolled out.

First introduced in 2015, the scheme on the A20 at Aycliffe is often brought in when there is a risk of congestion in the town centre due to high volumes of lorries looking to cross the Channel into Europe.

Driver Samantha Farrell fears more gridlocks across the county.

She said: "Operation Brock is in place as of last night but freight is still being parked up the A20 to Dover?

"That doesn’t make sense just causing Kent to be gridlocked again from Maidstone to Dover!"

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