Part of the M20 will be shut next week as Operation Brock is deployed.

The motorway will be closed between Maidstone and Ashford overnight on Tuesday, March 19, in the run-up to the Easter holidays.

It comes as more traffic is expected on the M20, with the measure being taken in a bid to ensure the smooth flow of traffic in the event of disruption to services across the English Channel.

The London-bound carriageway will be out of action from Junction 9 for Ashford and Junction 8 for Maidstone and coast-bound between Junction 7 and Junction 9.

This will be from 8pm on Tuesday, March 19 until Wednesday, March 20 at 6am.

Drivers will be diverted while the work is carried out.

When the M20 reopens, the Brock contraflow will be in place with drivers being asked to follow all signs.

Once the barrier is in place, all HGVs heading to the Port of Dover or Eurotunnel should follow the signs to join Operation Brock at Junction 8 of the M20.

Any EU-bound HGVs not complying with signage and trying to use another route to Eurotunnel or the Port of Dover risk a fine of £300. 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.

Anyone planning to use the Eurotunnel and the Port of Dover is advised to plan their journeys and check with the travel operator before setting out. They are also being urged to allow more time for their journeys and ensure they are prepared for delays, so should have plenty of fuel, warm clothes, and supplies such as food and drink.