Dover has been plunged into traffic chaos, with long queues near the port due to a shortage of cross-Channel ferry services and bad weather. 

Motorists have been stuck in their cars for hours, while part of the M20 is being used to park lorries. 

The suspension of P&O’s services, following the recent sacking of 800 workers, has contributed to the gridlock, with delays expected to last for days. 

Bad weather in the Channel and congestion caused by British holidaymakers travelling to Kent for an Easter getaway have worsened the situation. 

The Port of Dover warned on Saturday that “all approach roads to the port” were “extremely busy” and it was working with ferry operators to get people on their way through the port as soon as possible. 

Dover MP Natalie Elphicke blamed the delays – which began on Friday – partly on P&O Ferries. Three of its boats were still out of action following “failed safety checks” on its new crews. 

She warned the disruption is expected to last for the next few days.

“The traffic disruption caused by P&O’s actions is very serious. Coupled with adverse weather conditions and the Easter get-away traffic the situation has become severe,” she said. “This can be expected to continue for the next few days.”

Ministers have been working with other operators, including DFDS and Stena, to ensure the continuation of services unfulfilled by P&O. 

DFDS said it was experiencing delays on “all of our crossings” on Saturday resulting from recent adverse weather conditions.