M20 Motorway – Traffic, News and Travel Information

The M20 motorway is a vital link between London and the continent, connecting the capital with the ports of Dover and Folkestone, as well as the Channel Tunnel. The motorway spans 50.6 miles (81.4 km) through the county of Kent, passing by scenic attractions such as Leeds Castle, the North Downs and the East Stour river.

The motorway also serves major towns such as Maidstone and Ashford, offering access to local services and amenities.

The M20 motorway was built in stages between 1960 and 1991, replacing the previous A20 road that ran through many urban areas. The motorway was designed to improve traffic flow, reduce congestion and enhance safety for drivers and passengers. The motorway is part of the European route E15, which runs from Inverness in Scotland to Algeciras in Spain. The motorway also forms part of Operation Stack and Operation Brock, which are contingency plans for managing freight traffic in case of disruption at the Channel crossing.

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Live traffic flow information. Avoid M20 travel congestion and plan a smarter route. Details on Operation Stack when in force. Bookmark this page for future disruption updates.

The M20 motorway is maintained by National Highways, formerly known as Highways England, which is responsible for managing, operating and improving England’s strategic road network. The motorway has three lanes in each direction, except for a short section between junctions 8 and 9 where it has two lanes. The motorway has 11 junctions, numbered from 1 to 13, with junctions 10A and 12 being added later. The motorway has a variable speed limit system, which can adjust the maximum speed according to traffic conditions and incidents.

The M20 motorway is a key route for commuters, tourists, business travellers and freight operators, who rely on its efficiency and reliability. The motorway offers a fast and convenient way to travel between London and the continent, as well as exploring the beautiful countryside and historic towns of Kent. The motorway also supports the local economy and employment, by facilitating trade, tourism and transport. The M20 motorway is more than just a road; it is a gateway to Europe and beyond.

Traffic delays for the M20 motorway in Southern England. Latest travel news from UK Traffic Delays official open data sources.

Operation Stack and Brock

Operation Stack and Operation Brock are two traffic management systems designed to keep Kent’s roads open if there is disruption at the Port of Dover and Eurotunnel. They are used when crossings to the continent cannot happen, such as bad weather or industrial action.

Operation Stack is a procedure that uses parts of the M20 to queue lorries travelling towards the continent, to avoid causing gridlock across Kent’s roads. It is used in emergency situations and is implemented by Kent Police.

Operation Brock is a contraflow system that can be deployed quickly between junctions 8 and 9 of the M20 to install a contraflow. HGVs bound for Dover and/or Eurotunnel will be held on the coastbound carriageway, while other traffic can continue to move in both directions on the London-bound carriageway. Operation Brock also includes other options such as using Manston Airfield and Ashford Sevington inland border facility as holding areas for HGVs. Operation Brock is managed by National Highways.

Facts and Figures

The M20 motorway is one of the busiest and most important roads in the UK, connecting London with the Channel ports of Dover and Folkestone, as well as the Channel Tunnel. The motorway carries a high volume of traffic, especially heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) that transport freight between the UK and mainland Europe. According to the latest statistics from the Department for Transport, the M20 motorway had an average daily flow of 86,000 vehicles in 2021, of which 18% were HGVs.

The M20 motorway is also prone to disruption and congestion, due to various factors such as bad weather, industrial action, border checks, ferry delays and tunnel closures. When these events occur, traffic management schemes such as Operation Stack and Operation Brock are implemented to queue lorries on the M20 and keep other traffic moving. However, these schemes can also cause delays and inconvenience for drivers, businesses and local communities.

To cope with the increasing demand and challenges on the M20 motorway, several improvement projects have been carried out or planned by National Highways, formerly known as Highways England. These include widening sections of the motorway, installing a moveable concrete barrier, creating a smart motorway with variable speed limits and hard shoulder running, and building a new junction 10A near Ashford. These projects aim to enhance the capacity, safety and resilience of the M20 motorway, as well as supporting economic growth and development in Kent and beyond.

The M20 motorway is more than just a road; it is a strategic corridor that links the UK with Europe and the rest of the world. It is essential for trade, tourism and transport, as well as for commuters, residents and visitors. The M20 motorway is a key asset for Kent and the UK, but also a source of challenge and opportunity.

Some of the busiest sections of the M20 are:

• Junctions 1 to 4, which connect the M20 with the M25 and serve London-bound traffic.
• Junctions 8 to 9, which are part of the Maidstone bypass and often used for Operation Stack and Operation Brock schemes to queue lorries heading to the Channel ports.
• Junctions 11 to 13, which are close to the Channel Tunnel terminal and the Port of Dover and experience high volumes of cross-Channel freight traffic.

M20 Motorway: Towns and Attractions

The M20 motorway is a key route that links London to the port of Folkestone in Kent. It is part of the European route E15, which runs from Inverness in Scotland to Algeciras in Spain. Along the M20 motorway, there are several towns and attractions that are worth visiting or exploring. Some of them are:

• Maidstone: The M20 motorway passes through the outskirts of Maidstone, the county town of Kent. Maidstone has a lot to offer, from historic landmarks like Leeds Castle and Maidstone Museum to modern amenities like nightlife and shopping. Maidstone also has a variety of events throughout the year, such as the Hops and Harvest Festival and the Apple Festival.
• Rochester: The M20 motorway connects to the A229, which leads to Rochester, a historic town on the River Medway. Rochester is famous for its connection to Charles Dickens, who lived and wrote some of his novels here. Rochester has a stunning cathedral and castle, as well as a Dickensian Christmas festival and a summer Dickens festival. Rochester also has a lively arts and music scene, with venues like The Brook Theatre and The Royal Function Rooms.
• Ashford: The M20 motorway runs through Ashford, a modern town with a fast-growing population. Ashford is a hub for transport and commerce in Kent. Ashford has a high-speed rail link to London and Europe, as well as a designer outlet shopping centre and a cinema complex. Ashford also has several parks and green spaces, such as Victoria Park and Conningbrook Lakes Country Park.
• Folkestone: The M20 motorway ends at Folkestone, a seaside town on the English Channel. Folkestone is a popular destination for tourists and day trippers. Folkestone has a sandy beach, a harbour and a promenade, as well as a creative quarter with art galleries, studios and cafes. Folkestone also hosts an annual arts festival called the Folkestone Triennial, which features contemporary artworks by international artists.

These are just some of the towns and attractions along the M20 motorway that offer something for everyone. Whether you are looking for history, culture, nature or entertainment, you will find it on your journey along this motorway.

Traffic delay information supplied by UK Traffic Delays. The latest M20 traffic reports, roadworks and travel news for South East England.

Our M20 motorway Kent travel news is as up to date as possible but please do always check with local radio news sources and always allow plenty of time for your journey.

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