Work to remove a barrier on the M20, installed as part of preparations for a no-deal Brexit, has been completed just in time for Britain's exit from the European Union.

The Operation Brock contraflow saw the carriageway between junction 8 for Maidstone and junction 9 for Ashford restricted to two lanes for nearly a year, at a cost of more than £35 million to the taxpayer.

The steel barrier had been in place on a 15-mile section of the London-bound stretch since March 2019, and reflected the risk of potential traffic disruption during negotiations with Brussels.

Frustrated drivers were also restricted to a speed limit of 50mph throughout the area.

However, engineers this morning completed its removal and three lanes in both directions are now available, and the national speed limit restored.

Highways England project director Nicky Potts said: "Operation Brock was a valuable safeguard against disruption for people living, working and travelling in and around Kent.

"With the threat of disruption now reduced, we have worked quickly to remove it and I am pleased that we’ve been able to complete the work on schedule, removing the last remaining traffic restrictions overnight last night.

“We are grateful for people’s patience when the barrier was in place, and for bearing with us during the overnight closures to remove the barrier.”

The removal of the barrier started on Monday January 13 and involved taking down around 1,500 metres of barrier each night.

Road markings were also repainted and gaps in the central reservation barrier closed.

Read more: All the latest news from Maidstone

Read more: All the latest news from Ashford