Government response: Proposed instrument to regulate traffic on M20 motorway call for views
Updated 16 October 2023
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/calls-for-evidence/proposed-instrument-to-regulate-traffic-on-m20-motorway-call-for-views/outcome/government-response-proposed-instrument-to-regulate-traffic-on-m20-motorway-call-for-views
Overview of responses
Six responses to the consultation were received and respondents represented a cross-section of stakeholders including:
- Kent County Council
- Kent Police
- a trade association representing the UK logistics industry
- a local business
- 2 local individuals
The government thanks all respondents for their contributions.
Respondents were supportive of the government’s proposal to implement a statutory instrument which will enable NHL to continue to deploy Operation Brock on the M20 as required. However, most respondents commented that a permanent solution is needed to ease the traffic disruption caused when there are delays at the Port of Dover and the Channel Tunnel.
The government recognises that Operation Brock does not totally remove the disruption for local residents and businesses. The Department for Transport is working closely with Kent stakeholders to explore longer term options to replace, or reduce the use, of Operation Brock using a combination of sites and technology.
Introducing any new system would be complex, requiring significant investment and legislation and take several years. In the interim we continue to work with partners to help make iterative improvements to existing plans.
In addition, the Kent Resilience Forum – which comprises Kent Police and emergency services, Kent County Council, port representatives and NHL – works to continually improve the decision-making process for when Operation Brock is deployed and the wider processes that support it.
Consultation outcome
Having considered the responses to the consultation, the government has decided to take forward the proposal contained in the consultation.
The new statutory instrument will come into force towards the end of this year and will be published in due course.