Border checks at the Port of Dover have caused traffic to come to a standstill as holidaymakers and freight lorries descend in large numbers.

Photographs show thousands of vehicles stuck in long queues along the A20 in Kent and down Jubilee Way towards the port.

As the start of the school summer holidays begins, families attempting to use the port for their getaways face heavy disruption throughout the holiday period.

The Port of Dover say they are expecting nearly 40,000 cars this weekend and more than 270,000 in the next six weeks.

A traffic control system is in place in an effort to deal with the rising number of motorists in and around the area.

One traffic warden told an eyewitness they had received a lot of verbal abuse from drivers on Thursday morning.

Pictures show the heavy traffic throughout the week as port bosses urge drivers to check with their operator for travel updates before and during their journey.

Doug Bannister, chief executive at the Port of Dover said his organisation has been 'preparing for a busy summer' and have brought in measures to 'minimise disruption'.

Holiday traffic builds up at the Port of Dover and through the town due to Border controls checks being carried out (Friday, July 25)

Traffic queueing to use the Port of Dover in Kent, which remains busy while travellers make their way across the Channel for the summer holidays (Thursday, July 24)

The Port of Dover say they are expecting nearly 40,000 cars this weekend and more than 270,000 in the next six weeks (Thursday, July 24)

Lorries queue along the A20 outside Dover in Kent as the Port of Dover remains busy (Thursday, July 24)

Traffic management staff give directions to traffic on the A20 in Dover, Kent (Thursday, July 24)

Pictures show the heavy traffic throughout the week as port bosses urge drivers to check with their operator for travel updates before and during their journey (Thursday, July 24)

As the start of the school summer holidays begins, families attempting to use the port for their getaways face heavy disruption throughout the holiday period (Thursday, July 24)

A traffic control system is in place in an effort to deal with the rising number of motorists in and around the area (Thursday, July 24)

A view of holiday and freight traffic queueing to use the Port of Dover in Kent, as travellers make their way across the Channel for the summer holiday (Wednesday, July 23)

Doug Bannister, chief executive at the Port of Dover said his organisation has been 'preparing for a busy summer' and have brought in measures to 'minimise disruption' (Wednesday, July 23)

It comes as port authorities confirm severe delays, with the boarding process for passengers currently taking around 40 minutes (Wednesday, July 23)

He said: 'We know how vital it is to keep things moving, not just for holidaymakers but for our local community too.

'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.'

It comes as port authorities confirm severe delays, with the boarding process for passengers currently taking around 40 minutes.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), a spokesperson said: 'At the moment, there is still a 40 minute processing time in the Buffer Zone. TAP procedures are in place for freight.

'DFDS traffic is queuing, whilst Irish Ferries & P&O Ferries have little to no queues.

'We wish all passengers a pleasant journey.'