An MP is urging emergency planners to restrict the use of Operation Brock on the M20 to “extreme circumstances”.

Helen Whately, who represents Faversham and Mid Kent, says the contraflow system does not need to be implemented as often as it is.

The Conservative wants to see a review of the trigger points that the Kent Resilience Forum considers when reaching decisions on whether Brock is needed.

The traffic management system has remained in place since being reintroduced on Friday, July 14, ahead of a surge in vehicles heading for Eurotunnel and the Port of Dover.

Ms Whately said: “I appreciate that it is a good thing for all the people who want to go on holidays overseas and I would rather that than long queues.

“The situation for me as MP for Mid Kent and Faversham is that residents are very unhappy when Brock is on because it causes delays to local journeys.

“What I want to see is us going back to only using Brock in extreme circumstances, which is what it was originally intended for, such as strikes or bad weather.

“We are now seeing it used more frequently, which is something I have raised with the roads minister because it is something that I am not happy about.

“I have asked the Resilience Forum to look at the triggers for Operation Brock and to review whether it is needed to be put on as often as it is.”

Asked what a long-term solution could be, she said the debate had moved away from just having large lorry parks to one in which new technology could be an asset.

Discussions with ministers had focused on what could be done to alleviate the pressure on Kent by having holding areas for HGVs.

But she cautioned that any proposals would take time and that the idea there would be a large lorry park in the near future was not realistic.

The Kent Resilience Forum says Brock was needed due to the high numbers of crossings booked over the summer and was brought in the week most schools broke up.

It was also deployed in May, with holiday traffic cited as one of the main reasons.

Hauliers say Brock is not a permanent solution to Kent’s traffic problems.

Jonathan Walker, head of cities and infrastructure policy at Logistics UK, said: “While we are encouraged that consideration is being given to the flow of traffic during peak periods, Operation Brock is only a temporary fix and does not provide adequate rest and hygiene facilities for professional drivers or those travelling to the Continent.

“With significant changes to border controls due to be implemented from October which will also create the potential for delays around the port, it is vital a more permanent, efficient and cost-effective measure is introduced to ensure the smooth flow of goods.”