A loathed contraflow system is set to be deployed on the M20 this week ahead of the bank holiday weekend.

The motorway will be closed between Maidstone and Ashford overnight on Wednesday from 8pm so Operation Brock can be deployed.

Kent and Medway Resilience Forum called for its launch between Junctions 9 and 8 London-bound and Junctions 7 and 9 coastbound due to the high passenger numbers at Kent ports expected.

The contraflow system is being deployed on a 13-mile section in a bid to improve traffic flow.

Lorries heading to the continent queue on the coastbound side, with the London-bound carriageway operating as a contraflow with narrow lanes and a 50mph limit.

But the system has been described as a “massive inconvenience” for residents, and Kent MPs have questioned whether it is necessary to put it in place during every school holiday.

In January, it was revealed the government is working on a permanent solution to the problem of congestion at the Port of Dover backing up traffic deep into Kent.

The new system would use a combination of new digital technology and off-road sites to hold HGVs during disruption, but is still in the early planning stages.

To safely deploy the contraflow, the M20 will be closed overnight from 8pm on Wednesday to 6am the following day.

Fully signed diversion routes will be in place while it is closed overnight.

These times have been chosen to minimise disruption to road users and ensure the roads are suitable for the traffic, National Highways says.

Drivers are advised to follow the diversion signs over their sat-nav instructions.

When the M20 reopens, the Brock contraflow will be active and all signs should be followed.

Once the barrier is in place, all HGVs heading for the Port of Dover or Eurotunnel must follow the signs to join Operation Brock at M20 Junction 8.

All other coastbound traffic – including local freight and car drivers heading for the continent – should follow the signs and cross over to enter the contraflow on the M20 London-bound carriageway.