As schools break up for the summer holidays, and the weather turns more unsettled, people driving in or through Kent are being urged to follow some simple steps to be prepared for ‘Every Single Journey’.
A yellow rain warning has now been issued for most parts of the country over the weekend as the heatwave that sparked the first ever Met Office amber extreme heat warning for the UK dissipates.
And with most COVID-19 restrictions lifted, more people are on the move and the county’s roads will get busy again.
In advance of this ‘get-away’ weekend, the Kent Resilience Forum has put back the Operation Brock contraflow between junctions 8 and 9 on the M20.
By separating freight and passenger vehicles, the Brock scheme helps ensure everyone keeps moving, even when traffic volumes are high. The barrier will be removed as soon as the risk of disruption eases.
In turn, KCC’s Highways Director and Kent Resilience Forum Strategic Planning Lead Simon Jones said it was key anyone taking to the road, even for a short trip, took their own steps to be prepared in case of delays.
Simon Jones said: “It is important at this time that anyone choosing to use Kent’s roads plans their route, makes sure they are prepared for journeys to be longer than expected and stays in touch with the latest traffic and travel information.”
Avoid an unnecessary breakdown by following Highways England’s advice
Simple safe travel steps you can take include:
- CHECKING your route before you travel – for where to go for the latest traffic and travel updates in Kent visit Kent County Council’s Travel & Transport page here
- ALLOWING extra time to get to your destination – because traffic jams can happen anywhere and unsettled weather can make for tricky driving conditions
- PACKING your car with essentials – including food, water, any medication you need and supplies such as extra nappies if travelling with children. It’s particularly important to stay hydrated on warmer days to ‘Beat the Heat’, and
- CHECKING your vehicle (tyres, lights, fuel, oil and water) before you set off – most breakdowns are avoidable
Passengers heading to the Continent via the Port of Dover and Eurotunnel should also ensure they have at least six months left on their passport, and meet any COVID requirements, to avoid being turned back at border control.
For all the latest updated travel guidance visit GOV.UK here
Look out for KCC’s safe travel social media awareness campaign #EverySingleJourney on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
For more information on Operation Brock visit Highways England’s website here
