Kent has been plunged into travel chaos this weekend as severe delays at the Port of Dover and the implementation of Operation Brock on the M20 created a perfect storm of disruption for holidaymakers and freight operators alike.
Queueing times at the Port of Dover stretched to two hours on Saturday afternoon, with authorities blaming a combination of high volumes of tourist traffic and heightened French border controls for the gridlock. The situation became so dire that port officials took the unusual step of publicly apologising to travellers caught in the extensive delays.
Motorway Mayhem
Compounding the port problems, National Highways activated Operation Brock on the M20 coastbound carriageway between Junctions 8 and 9. This contingency measure, designed to manage traffic during cross-Channel disruption, has created a 13-mile stretch of contraflow system that's causing significant additional delays.
The transport meltdown couldn't have come at a worse time for families embarking on Easter getaways. "We've been stuck here for over three hours already," one frustrated motorist told reporters. "The kids are restless, and we're worried we might miss our ferry crossing."
Ferry Operators Respond
P&O Ferries acknowledged the challenging conditions, advising passengers: "Please allow extra time for your journey as the Port of Dover is very busy." The ferry operator confirmed that check-in was operating smoothly once travellers finally reached the port, but the approach roads remained severely congested throughout Saturday.
The disruption highlights the ongoing fragility of cross-Channel transport infrastructure, with even minor incidents capable of triggering widespread congestion across Kent's road network. Local businesses reported that the gridlock was affecting trade, with many customers unable to reach them through the traffic-choked routes.
With the Easter holiday period just beginning, authorities are urging all travellers to check traffic conditions before setting out and to consider alternative routes where possible.
