Highways Agency - Safe roads, Reliable journeys, Informed travellers

Operation Stack/Quick Moveable Barrier - Proposed 50mph Speed Limit on the M20 J10-13

The Highways Agency proposes to make a permanent 50mph speed limit Order on the M20 between Junctions 10 and 13. This will also include a 50mph speed limit on the slip roads and 6 ½ ft width restriction in the offside lane on this section of the M20.

Please note that these restrictions will be only be imposed if:

1. Operation Stack is in place or if there is likelihood of it being called and
2. for the maintenance, training and testing of the Quick Moveable Barrier (QMB) which is used in connection with the traffic management for Operation Stack.

Operation Stack is the term used for the system of parking channel bound freight traffic on the M20 motorway. Operation Stack is implemented by Kent Police, and is mainly instigated when there is disruption to cross channel traffic. The coastbound carriageway of the M20 between Junctions 11 and 12 is used for Phase 1 of Operation Stack and previously all coastbound non-freight traffic had to be diverted onto the A20 at Junction 11. The introduction of the QMB, has enabled a contraflow to be used on the Londonbound carriageway, giving all non-freight traffic the opportunity to remain on the M20 rather than be diverted along the local roads.

A temporary Order for the above restrictions will remain in place until 28 February 2010 and the new permanent Order will then come into effect on 1 March 2010.

If you have any representations or comments you wish to make about the proposed permanent Order please complete and submit our online consultation form.

The consultation period runs for 12 weeks from Monday 20 July 2009 to 11 October 2009.

Quick Moveable Barrier Machine