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 – May 2026
Operation Brock has been deployed in anticipation of a high numbers of tourists passing through Kent ahead of the late May bank holiday and half term getaway, the Kent and Medway Resilience Forum (KMRF) has confirmed.
The Operation Brock contraflow system will be in place on the coastbound M20 between Junctions 8 & 9 with a reduced speed limit to create dedicated lanes for HGVs to queue, if needed.
Work to install the barrier took place on the evening of Tuesday 19 May, and the M20 reopened on Wednesday 20 May. The barrier is planned to be removed overnight on Tuesday 26 May, with the motorway reopening as normal on Wednesday 27 May.
For more information, please see KMRF update on Kent Prepared website.
Read KMRF's letter to residents for late May Bank Holiday 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