Motorists are being warned of long delays near the Port of Dover as thousands of Britons look to make the most of the summer holidays, as most schools around the UK break up.
Traffic maps show long delays on the approach to the Port of Dover along the A20 and the A2 in the south of Kent.
Slow-moving and stationary traffic is being seen across the region, with National Highways warning of further delays in the coming hours.
A traffic warning has been issued along the A20 eastbound between the junctions with the A260 and the A256 Dover West, and the A2 westbound between the A256 Whitfield West and the junction with the A260.
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PA
|Drivers are dealing with long delays on the approach to the Port of Dover
Posting on social media site X, formerly known as Twitter, the Port of Dover is warning that there is still a processing time of 60 minutes in the Buffer Zone.
They added that P&O Ferries are dealing with delays and queuing issues, while Irish Ferries and DFDS are "free flowing".
In a bid to prevent further delays, the official X account said anyone who had booked a ferry with a third party, like Direct Ferries or AFerry, should check their booking details.
READ MORE: Drivers face long delays and breakdowns on motorways as Britons take 27 million trips this week
NATIONAL HIGHWAYS
|Drivers are being warned of long delays in Kent
The Port of Dover warned that it was expected to receive almost 40,000 cars over the upcoming weekend, with more than 270,000 in the next six weeks.
Doug Bannister, chief executive at the Port of Dover, spoke of the ongoing preparations to address the expected surge in demand around the area.
He said: "We know how vital it is to keep things moving, not just for holidaymakers but for our local community too.
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"That's why we've boosted staff levels, strengthened traffic management, added welfare facilities and introduced AI-powered forecasting - all to minimise disruption and ensure both residents and travellers have the best possible experience during this busy season.”
A traffic control system is in place at the Port of Dover to address the rising number of motorists in and around the area.
According to PA, one traffic warden told drivers that they had received verbal abuse from drivers earlier this morning.
PA
|Hundreds of thousands of drivers will be using the Port of Dover over the next six weeks
Images of traffic along Jubilee Way on the A20 towards the Port of Dover show hundreds of lorries and cars queuing.
The Port of Dover has been reporting delays of at least 60 minutes since 7am, with Traffic Assessment Project (TAP) procedures in place for freight vehicles.
It has also stressed to drivers that they should check with their chosen operator for travel updates before and during their journey.