Operation Brock will be deactivated on the M20 following the Easter weekend.

Highway bosses activated the contraflow system on a 13-mile stretch between Junction 8 for Maidstone and Junction 9 for Ashford last month to cope with expected increased traffic.

But it will now be removed, and as such, the motorway will be closed London-bound from Junction 9 to 8 and coastbound between Junctions 7 and 9 overnight from 8pm on Sunday to 6am on Monday.

A National Highways spokesman said: “While the M20 is closed to remove the Operation Brock contraflow, clearly signed diversion routes will be in place on the A20 to help road users reach their destination.

“Once removed, both carriageways will re-open with three lanes and the national speed limit back in place.”

It says Kent Resilience Forum partners agree it is the right time to deactivate the contraflow.

Operation Brock is part of a series of measures which crucially keep the M20 open in both directions using a contraflow system during busier traffic times.

It is a legal requirement to use the signed routes only for HGV journeys to the Port of Dover and Eurotunnel when Operation Brock is in force.

Any EU-bound HGVs not complying with signage and trying to use another route to Eurotunnel or the Port of Dover risk a fine of £300.

They will also be sent to the back of the queue by police or enforcement agents.

This includes trying to bypass the M20 by using the M2/A2 at Brenley Corner.