A 50mph speed limit remains in place on the M20 despite the deactivation of Operation Brock – and could last for months.

The traffic management measure between Junction 8 at Leeds Castle and Junction 9 at Ashford was lifted last night.

However, drivers will still have to stick to a reduced limit on the 13-mile stretch as roadworks are now due to take place – with the work expected to take until early next year.

National Highways has said the moveable barrier will stay where it is, for now, while planned roadworks for a drainage upgrade, ground work for the storage of the barrier and signs in the central reservation are carried out.

It tweeted this morning that the M20 between Maidstone and Ashford would operate with two lanes running in both directions.

The concrete barrier will remain where it is and the outside lane on the coastbound carriageway will be shut.

Keeping the lanes shut will allow work to be done on the central reservation.

The Op Brock contraflow had been in place since March to help ease the risk of traffic disruption caused by lorries and tourists heading for the Port of Dover.

National Highways says the roadworks are set to be completed early next year with the 50 mph limit being dependent on the progress of the work.