Drivers face huge M20 closure over Bank Holiday weekend for Operation Brock as millions warned of travel chaos
A WARNING has been issued to drivers they face travel chaos as a huge M20 closure looms over this Bank Holiday.
As 20million are expected to hit the road this weekend, National Highways announced they have shut down the major motorway between Maidstone and Ashford.
The nuisance closure came into force as part of Operation Brock – a huge effort to ease traffic flow in and around Kent.
These works are set to effect a 13-mile stretch of the popular road.
Travel as early or as late in the day as possible to avoid the worst delays
Bob Pishue
London bound from J9 to J8 as well as coastbound J7 to J9 were closed and the motorway was reopened with contraflow in use.
A new designated signposted system is expected to be in place for drivers travelling across the Bank Holiday weekend.
But – motorists are being warned they could be slapped with a hefty fine if they don’t follow the unfamiliar route.
Any HGV going into the European Union and not complying with the route to the Eurotunnel or Port of Dover could be slapped with a £300 penalty.
National Highways stated: “They will also be sent to the back of the queue by Police or enforcement agents, wasting time, fuel, and money.
“This includes trying to bypass the M20 by using the M2/A2 at Brenley Corner.
“All other coast-bound traffic – including local freight and car drivers heading for the continent – should follow the signs and cross over to enter the contraflow on the M20 London bound carriageway.”
TRAFFIC HELL
It comes as the RAC warned of traffic hell this weekend – with experts predicting Friday will be the worst day to travel.
Motorists can expect gruelling 90-minute delays on the M25 clockwise that afternoon between Junction 7 for the M23 and Junction 21 for the M1.
Meanwhile, hours of bumper-to-bumper queues are expected to clog up a 45-mile stretch of the M5 from Bristol to Taunton in Somerset.
The RAC’s Alice Simpson said: “Our research suggests this weekend could be the busiest of the year so far on the roads.
“Millions of people are embarking on getaway trips to make the most of the three days.
Best and worst times to travel
TRAFFIC is predicted to build through the day on Friday, with INRIX advising motorists to delay their departures until 6pm.
On Saturday, traffic is expected to peak between 3pm and 6pm, with drivers urged to start their journeys as early as possible.
Traffic volumes look set to remain consistently high throughout the long weekend as 3.7million trips are expected to take place on Saturday.
Another 3.4million journeys are anticipated on both Sunday and bank holiday Monday.
“For those with school age children, it’s also the start of the half-term holiday.
“We’re looking at possible leisure traffic volumes returning to levels similar to what we last saw in 2019 before the coronavirus outbreak.
“Drivers’ desire to make the most of the UK has increased in those places where the warm spring sunshine makes its presence felt.
“The number of people deciding head for the coast or countryside will only go up, swelling the overall volume of cars on the roads.”
RAIL DISRUPTION
Inrix travel expert Bob Pishue added: “A near-record number of travellers are expected to be on the roads over the holiday period.
“Drivers should be prepared for long delays, especially in and around major cities and towards the coasts.
“Travel as early or as late in the day as possible to avoid the worst delays.”
There will also be disruption to train services this weekend as Network Rail carries out engineering projects.
Services on the West Coast Main Line will be reduced due to work around Crewe and Carlisle in the north west.
Passengers travelling by train between Carstairs and Lanark in Scotland will also be affected by track renewals.
Meanwhile, delays and cancellations can be expected on the Great Eastern Main Line as work building a new station at Beaulieu Park to the east of Chelmsford in Essex continues.
Network Rail says it often carries out major engineering work over bank holiday periods to reduce the number of passengers impacted.
RAC expert's advice
RAC breakdown expert Alice Simpson said:
“No-one likes to think about their vehicle breaking down, especially on a bank holiday weekend.
“But vehicles that are serviced regularly and generally looked after are much less likely to let their drivers down.
“Any worries about bad ‘carma’ can be often be put to rest. There’s still time to book a service or repair before next weekend using an RAC Mobile Mechanic.
“Checking tyres are all in good condition and pumped up properly, as well as ensuring oil and coolant levels are where they should be, is a must for all drivers before any getaway trip.”