Cross-channel traffic disruption
Dover town is significantly impacted when there are high volumes of cross-channel traffic and freight, or during delays caused by weather, strikes or unexpected disruption.
We know this can make it difficult for residents to go about their daily lives. For businesses in the district it can have a detrimental effect on trade, particularly those in Dover town.
We understand how frustrating this can be and the impact on those living and working here, as well as for those wishing to visit our beautiful district.
Dover District Council (DDC) has repeatedly raised its concerns with the Government about investing in Kent’s road network and improving the road infrastructure around Dover to help reduce the impact and keep traffic moving.
Community impact and support
DDC is not responsible for maintaining or running the road network nor traffic enforcement which falls under National Highways, Kent Highways and Kent Police respectively.
However, Dover District Council works closely with the community to understand the impact on residents and businesses when the town is affected by disruptive periods.
The Council feeds this back to the Kent and Medway Resilience Forum (KMRF), which is a partnership of organisations, including DDC, working to improve resilience and ensure a co-ordinated response to emergencies that affect communities in the county.
Operation Brock – April 2026
The Kent and Medway Resilience Forum (KMRF) has confirmed Operation Brock will be deployed ahead of Easter. A contraflow system will be in place on the M20, coastbound, between Junctions 8 & 9 with a reduced speed limit to allow a dedicated lane to be created for HGVs to queue, if needed.
Work to install the barrier will take place on Wednesday 1st April, and the M20 will reopen on Thursday 2nd April. The barrier is planned to be removed overnight on Tuesday 7th April, with the motorway reopening as normal on Wednesday 8th April. For more information, please see KMRF update on the Kent Prepared website.
Read KMRF's letter to residents for Easter 2026
EU Entry Exit System (EES)
Information about changing requirements for UK nationals travelling to countries in the Schengen area can be found on the GOV.UK website at EU Entry/Exit System - GOV.UK
Useful links and local contacts
In the event of traffic disruption in the town, here are links to local services should you need to check if there are any changes.
Traffic
Public transport
To keep up to date with any service disruption see:
Health services
Education
Waste
If there are problems with waste collections due to traffic, please see:
Community
- DDC’s Community Team works to support the community, make contact by emailing: community@dover.gov.uk
- For out of hours see our 'Contact us' page