Major motorway to CLOSE this evening for vital works with diversion in place
MOTOR MAYHEM Major motorway to CLOSE this evening for vital works with diversion in place – check your route
A MAJOR motorway will close this evening for essential roadworks.
The road is used by up to 120,000 people per day.
5
Lorry drivers waiting on the M20 in Kent
Credit: Alamy
5
Operation Brock in action
Credit: Alamy
5
Lorry drivers often face delays waiting for ferries in Dover
Credit: Getty
The M20 motorway will be closed this evening for vital works taking place between 8pm and 6am overnight.
The closure will take place in both directions between Junctions four and seven.
Junction four offers drivers exits for Rochester, meanwhile Junction 7 does so for Maidstone.
The closure covers the road's carriageways, slip roads and lanes for planned barrier works.
A National Highway spokesperson said: "These times have been chosen to minimise disruption to road users and ensure the roads are suitable for the traffic.'
This comes after other parts of the M20 were closed for the same period last night.
Westbound, the road was closed between Junctions 9 and 8, between Ashford and Lenham respectively.
Eastbound, the closure extended even further from Junction 9 to Junction 7.
Signed diversions were put in place to guide drivers to their destination using nearby roads.
Both sides of the road were re-opened today, with the usual national speed limit being re-implemented.
Drivers warned of travel chaos this Bank Holiday amid M20 closures
These closures took place to remove barriers for a contraflow which had been put in place over the bank holiday, to accommodate for heavy traffic during the school holidays.
These were rolled out as part of an initiative called Operation Brock.
This is a traffic holding system which enables lorries to queue for English Channel crossings.
Under Operation Brock, Dover-bound lorries queue on one side of the M20.
Meanwhile on the other side of the carriageway, a contraflow enables traffic to run in both directions.
The Operation was originally designed for use if the UK had left the European Union with a no-deal Brexit.
It is implemented by a group of local authorities called the Kent and Medway Resilience Forum (KMRF).
Today, the BBC has released new data on the system's cost to the taxpayer.
Its use over the bank holiday weekend will have cost between £100,000 to £250,000.
Across 10 occasions when Operation Brock has been used between 2019 and 2024, it has required more than £2.7 million in funding.
Simon Jones, KMRF strategic lead for border disruption, told the BBC that it was never done "without having clear data of increased border crossings to inform our planning".
He said: "Until the government agrees permanent, long-term solutions to tackle disruption on Kent's roads and delays at the border during busy periods, Operation Brock is the only option available."
5
Port of Dover traffic builds up due to border controls checks being carry out in Dover
Credit: Getty
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
29 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
‘Utter disgrace' cry NC500 locals as ‘biggest tent ever seen' spotted on Scots roadside
Images shared on social media show the tent directly behind a sign which reads 'No overnight parking' 'RIDICULOUS' 'Utter disgrace' cry NC500 locals as 'biggest tent ever seen' spotted on Scots roadside Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) FURIOUS locals have blasted brazen tourists who pitched a massive tent right by the roadside along the iconic NC500 route. Dubbed Scotland's Route 66, the North Coast 500 attracts thousands of visitors each year, but locals say the tourism boom is fueling antisocial behaviour and overtourism. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Furious locals have blasted brazen tourists who pitched a massive tent right by the roadside along the NC500 Credit: Alamy 2 Locals were left raging after spotting a giant family-size tunnel tent set up on a grassy verge at Lael Forest car park Credit: NC500 The Land Weeps Residents in Ross and Cromarty, in the Highlands, were left raging after spotting a giant family-size tunnel tent set up on a grassy verge at Lael Forest car park. Pictures shared on social media show the tent directly behind a Forestry and Land Scotland sign which reads 'No overnight parking' and 'No fires'. But locals claim a fresh fire pit was still smouldering on the grass when they snapped the shocking scene. One outraged resident took to Facebook to slam the reckless campers, branding their actions "disgraceful". Posting on the NC500 The Land Weeps page, they ranted: "This is the biggest tent I've ever seen on the roadside. At Lael Forest carpark this morning. Fresh fire pit still smouldering on the grass, which will leave a scar. Cans of Strongbow on the park bench." Others flocked to the comments to slam the reckless behaviour. One commenter wrote: "That's an utter disgrace. Hope you got registration and reported." Another joked: "Hopefully the midgies and clegs are hungry." A third added: "That's just ridiculous." The NC500 has become a hotspot for tourists seeking stunning views and adventure, but locals are growing increasingly frustrated with visitors ignoring rules and leaving behind a trail of destruction. 'Absolutely disgusted', complain Nc500 locals as they blast BBC over Landward scene We previously told how another Highlander was forced to erect a warning sign after campers repeatedly left piles of poo near his doorstep. The "utterly disgusting" behaviour of some tourists, leaving "little toilet paper bonnets over human poop" just metres from his property, has pushed one resident in Strathy, Thurso, to his limit. He resorted to lugging heavy rocks across a nearby campsite to deter vile visitors from defecating on it and even put up a sign politely asking people to bury their waste. Meanwhile, other residents hit out at tourists who left a much-loved beauty spot in a shocking state.
Leader Live
an hour ago
- Leader Live
Car expert explains what speed will trigger a speed camera
However, many drivers are unaware of how speed cameras actually work – with several myths being widely believed across the UK. Though regardless of how much you know about speed cameras, with speeding fines ranging from fixed penalties to points on your licence and even court appearances the best advice is to not risk it. (Image: KevinHolt/Getty) Speed cameras work using radar or road markings to monitor a vehicle's speed and capture evidence of any offence. While older cameras used film, most modern devices are fully digital and can even track your average speed over many miles. These digital systems record: In some cases, they even capture a clear image of the driver and passenger. Contrary to common belief, there's no universal '10% + 2mph' rule baked into law. Experts from explained: ''The idea that you're safe doing 35mph in a 30 zone is one of the biggest myths we hear. 'Technically, you're liable for a fine the moment you go even 1mph over the limit.' While the National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) does recommend a '10% plus 2' margin to allow for officer discretion, this is not a legal threshold and can vary depending on the enforcement area or the officer reviewing the case. RAC advice adds: 'The law states that you are liable for a speeding fine as soon as you exceed the limit, so if you're doing 31mph in a 30 limit or 71mph on a motorway, you're breaking the law and could receive a fine. 'It is well worth remembering this is totally dependent on the officer who catches the speeder, and it is up to that officer whether to fine the offender or not. 'The best advice is to not speed full stop.' Here are some other common speed camera myths: No. There are no laws about visibility, so nothing is stopping an officer from operating in the dark. But they don't often choose to do this and maintain that being visible acts as a deterrent in its own right. Go Safe Casualty Reduction Officer, Gareth Thomas said: "Legally, we don't have to be visible. I could camouflage myself if I wanted to - but it's all about being fair, education and preventing an accident. Even if I parked my van and went for a walk somewhere, it would deter people from speeding right away." If drivers choose to flash to warn others about a speed van, they could be in breach of the law. Under section 89 of the Police Act 1997 it is an offence to "wilfully obstruct a constable in the execution of his/her duty". However, Gareth says while it is an offence, it is very difficult to prove. He said: "It doesn't bother me that people flash to warn them of the speed van - I just want to educate people and the van to act as a speed deterrent." It all comes down to the circumstances within which you were caught speeding, and how much you were more than the limit. The minimum penalty for being caught speeding on the UK's roads is a £100 fine. But Gareth explained in some circumstances, police can offer the option of attending a speed awareness course - an alternative to a fine and penalty points. Gareth, said: "An accredited course is far more likely to improve driver behaviour and consequently make our roads safer. "Courses are available to drivers who respond quickly to the 'notices' and who were driving at no more than 10 per cent, plus 9 mph above the posted speed limit." So for example, anyone travelling over 86mph on a motorway would not be offered the awareness course. Those who don't have a clean licence at the time of the office, or if you have been on the course in the last three years, it is unlikely you will be offered the awareness course as an option.
Scottish Sun
2 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Charming English town is getting new £42million train station that will reopen key link shut for over 60 years
BACK ON TRACK Charming English town is getting new £42million train station that will reopen key link shut for over 60 years Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A RURAL English town has been given the green light for a new £42million train station that will reopen a vital link. After more than 60 years without a railway station, Cullompton has been granted funding by the Department of Transport and HM Treasury. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Cullompton has been given the green light for a new £42million train station Credit: Alamy 2 The new station will also be next to the motorway services at Junction 28 of the M5 Credit: Alamy The announcement is set to turbo-charge the economy of the Devon town and provide desperately needed transport links for locals and visitors. The funding will also help to support plans for a new station in Wellington. Cullompton station first opened in 1844 and closed in 1964. The reopening will be key to enabling the Culm Garden Village development, which will create around 5,000 homes. The new station will also be next to the motorway services at Junction 28 of the M5. Councillor Jacqi Hodgson, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Biodiversity, said: 'Further investment in rail infrastructure in Devon is always welcome and this railway station for Cullompton is key to the town's economic growth and will help reduce carbon emissions in the county. "People need improved public transport options if they're going to be encouraged to change their travel habits. "Hopefully Cullompton could follow the success of Okehampton Station and the re-opening of the Dartmoor Line, which is a great example of what can be achieved given the necessary funding from government.' In April, a delegation of 30 people from the region travelled to London to hand-deliver powerful letters of support to rail minister Lord Hendy. Backed by a cross-party group of South West MPs and Wellington Town Council, the letters stressed how restoring rail links to both Okehampton and nearby Wellington could unlock major economic, social and environmental benefits. Lord Hendy said: 'The stations would contribute to sustainable development, connecting new residential areas with regional employment, education and healthcare opportunities. "The case for taking a combined approach presents significantly higher value for money compared with a stand-alone project in either area.' He added: 'Reopening Cullompton and Wellington stations would be a strategic investment aligning with the Government's goals to drive economic growth, reduce environmental impact and improve social mobility.' Economic growth Gideon Amos, who also backed the scheme, said: 'For the cost of around £42 million, £180 million of economic growth would go into the region — which I know the Government would want to see. 'Frankly, there is no other rail project in the south-west that is ready to go and could be built and completed in the next two years, as the project is so far advanced. 'In fact, had it not been for the review in July last year, the spades would be in the ground and the platforms under construction, because the contract was about to be let and the detailed design was almost finished.' And Labour MP Simon Lightwood added in the Commons: 'The strategic objectives are clear. "Enhancing public transport connectivity will support growth and productivity in Exeter, Taunton and Bridgwater, while also reducing road congestion, car dependency and carbon emissions.' He continued: 'The stations would contribute to sustainable development, connecting new residential areas with regional employment, education and healthcare opportunities." This comes as satellite images of a new £15million train station at Okehampton were revealed. The station, which will be the newest addition to the Dartmoor Line, connecting West Devon, Torridge and North Cornwall with Exeter and beyond, will also benefit education and leisure services in the region. GWR Regional Growth Manager David Whiteway said the project would provide "valuable support for the community and local economies". Satellite images show the rapid development of the £15million scheme, which is being funded by the Department for Transport with contributions from Devon County Council and West Devon Borough Council. Since work began in January, major progress has been made to create the new station on the edge of Okehampton, two minutes from the A30. In March, 300 metres of the single-line track was moved 90cm north to allow a new platform to be built alongside it.
