
Frustrated motorists facing days of misery after getting stuck in miles of gridlocked traffic near Dover have questioned whether the chaos was caused by the French authorities punishing Britain for leaving the EU.

The mayhem has left 250,000 drivers stranded in 'horrendous' 10-hour queues after the French border force imposed thorough security checks in the wake of the terror attack in Nice last week.

Many holidaymakers were forced to sleep in their vehicles overnight and worried Brits have posted their fears online that this is punishment for the referendum vote on June 23.

Police have warned the disruption on the roads - with cars remaining stationary as tailbacks stretch for 12 miles - is likely to last for a further two days.

Social media users on Twitter have questioned whether the turmoil in Kent is a 'Brexit hate crime' while others have suggested the French authorities are giving Brits a 'hard time' by 'making it awkward' following the referendum.

Scroll down for videos

Thousands of motorists were still caught up in the huge traffic jam by the port on Sunday morning (pictured)

Cars and trucks queue up at border control on Sunday in the port of Dover after increased security checks were put in place in the wake of the terrorist attack in Nice

Traffic chaos continued in Dover today as the mayhem went into a second day (left). Cars and lorries could be seen queuing as they waited to enter the port (right)

The huge queues of vehicles could be seen on Sunday as frustrated drivers queued for 10 hours to enter the port before entering France

Drivers were forced to wait patiently on Sunday morning as thousands of vehicles queued to enter the port in Dover, Kent

Tory MP Andrew Bridgen questioned why the French had put on extra security checks at Dover and suggested it could have been motivated by last month's Brexit vote

At the height of the chaos, just one member of the French border force was checking passengers' passports on hundreds of coaches

By Sunday afternoon, police said the backlog had eased but that delays and disruptions can be expected on the route for the next few weeks

One user asked if the disruption in Dover - just 20 miles from Calais in France - was 'payback' from France because the UK voted to leave the EU.

At the height of the chaos, just one member of the French border force was checking passengers' passports on hundreds of coaches - taking 40 minutes to check each coach.

Port authorities said French border control booths at Dover had been 'seriously understaffed' overnight on Friday, with just three of the seven passport control booths open.

Tory MP Andrew Bridgen questioned why the French had put on extra security checks at Dover when the British border checks were among the strongest in Europe and suggested it could have been motivated by last month's Brexit vote.

Speaking to MailOnline, he said: 'Why have they put on extra checks on our border given our security record compared to theirs?

'We wouldn't exactly be considered the weakest link when it came to European security checks.

'If it's a reaction to Brexit – which I hope it's not – it's a strange thing to do to damage their tourism industry as a response a democratic decision by the British people.'

He added that it could be one of many 'irrational' moves we will see taken by EU countries to stop other member states seeking to follow Britain out the exit door.

Mr Bridgen said: 'The EU will be worried about contagion, which might lead to some illogical things for logical reasons.'

Among the vehicles stranded in the queue on Sunday were a number of international military forces vehicles.

Meanwhile, a multiple sclerosis sufferer travelling to Germany for potentially life-prolonging treatment saw her dash to the border turn into a 20-hour ordeal.

Tanya Cudworth, 50, was travelling to a Frankfurt clinic to undergo stem cell treatment for her condition after raising £5,000 for the trip.

Along with her partner, Steve Deene, 53, she set off from Tunbridge Wells at 8.30am on Saturday after waking to news of increasing delays at Dover.

ARE YOU STUCK IN THE QUEUE? Are you stuck in the queue? Do you have photographs? Call 0203 615 3908 or email abe.hawken@mailonline.co.uk Advertisement

Miss Cudworth, from Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire, did not make it onto a ferry until 4.20am on Sunday and Ms Cudworth described the experience as 'absolutely horrendous'.

She said: 'I'm taking the trip to get this treatment that I hope will keep me from having to go in a wheelchair.

'It's not available on the NHS and we've done some fundraising. It's a good job I didn't have to be at the hospital sooner - 19 hours in the car has obviously aggravated my symptoms.'

Because of her condition Ms Cudworth, who works for Marston's brewery, had to travel by road.

She hoped to nip to Dover, take a short sail across the Channel and complete the final six-hour drive to Frankfurt on Saturday ahead of her Monday appointment.

However chances of them making the 10.30am ferry soon vanished as they found themselves stranded in a virtual carpark on the A20.

She said: 'During the day it was so hot and there was nowhere near enough water and at night it was pitch black so you didn't know what was going on around you. You couldn't sleep because you had to keep moving forward.

Road to nowhere: Among the vehicles stranded in the queue on Sunday were a number of international military forces vehicles

Tanya Cudworth (pictured), 50, was travelling to a Frankfurt clinic to undergo stem cell treatment for her condition after raising £5,000 for the trip

One Twitter user questioned whether the French authorities were 'punishing' Britons down in Kent for the Brexit vote on June 23

Another user suggested holding another Brexit referendum vote on the M20 motorway heading towards Dover, adding that the results would be 'interesting'

One Twitter user questioned whether the long queues at Dover are a result of a 'Brexit payback' from the French authorities

Meanwhile, one user suggested that the 'French action' at Dover could be a 'Brexit hate crime' after motorists were stranded for 10 hours

'We didn't get any water until 3am and I saw women with babies, young families and people with pets with no water. It's shocking that more wasn't done to get it to people, the authorities weren't anywhere to be seen.

'My partner has been a lorry driver since he got his licence and he has never seen anything like it here or abroad.'

As the situation became desperate the couple decided to turn off the A20 and head for a hotel, but found everywhere was fully booked.

In the end they decided to grit their teeth and carry on crawling towards the port.

She added: 'I don't know whether the French are just annoyed with us because of Brexit or we are blaming the French for the delays.

'There's a chance I will have to come back to Frankfurt for the treatment. If I do I will just have to fly.'

Conservative chairman Patrick McLoughlin today condemned the 'purely unacceptable' chaos at the border this weekend, but insisted the situation is not a punishment from the French government following the Brexit vote.

He said on the Andrew Marr show: 'I think we can understand why the French would want to increase security after what happened in Nice last week.

'[There was] One person checking the coaches, as I understand it, and that is just purely unacceptable. I know there have been discussion between our government and the French government to make sure that we try and ease the situation as much as we possibly can.

'But I do think that one has to acknowledge that the horrendous incident in Nice would have put the French authorities on much higher alert.'

Home Secretary Amber Rudd said she sympathises with those caught up in the chaos, but said security is 'paramount'.

She said: 'The security of our citizens is paramount, and as France acts to meet the heightened security pressures it faces we are also taking all necessary action to ensure the border between our two countries remains secure - whilst also ensuring goods and passengers move as quickly and efficiently as possible between them.

'I sympathise with everyone who has been affected by delays at the Port of Dover, and have been working with colleagues across Government to do all we can to support the French border authorities to speed up their security checks.

'Border Force officers have been working around the clock to assist their French counterparts - and we stand ready to assist in any other way needed. Highways England has also worked all weekend - alongside Kent Police, Kent County Council and the Port of Dover - to assist motorists caught up in the delays.'

British officials have been drafted in to work with French border police after the Government admitted motorists had suffered 'extraordinary disruption' at Dover. By Sunday afternoon, police said the backlog had eased but that delays and disruptions can be expected on the route for the next few weeks.

Police helicopters have been drafted in to deliver water to stricken motorists who were left stranded in their cars after a deluge of holidaymakers - and heightened security measures - led to major traffic delays

Many motorists were forced to sleep in their vehicles overnight and worried Brits have posted their fears that this is punishment for the referendum vote on June 23

One user added that the French authorities could simply be trying to make it 'awkward' after the UK decided to leave the European Union

Another Twitter user posted online that Britain should 'get used it' after the UK voted to leave the EU

Yawn: A Twitter user posted an image of a hot and bothered dog who has been waiting in a queue of traffic alongside thousands of drivers

Making the most of it: Motorists attempt to quell the frustrations of other drivers by playing the steel drums and singing in the traffic jam

Time for exercise: A group of frustrated motorists, trapped in the jam, entertain themselves by doing some yoga in the hard shoulder

One female passenger who was affected by the travel problems on the south coast said she arrived for her 4.30am ferry at Dover this morning only to be told that there would be major delays as French authorities were worried about terrorist attacks.

The woman, who wanted to remain anonymous, was travelling with her family to their home in the south of France and said there was only booth open which was checking passports in Dover.

She said: 'We arrived at 3am for a 4.30 am ferry at Dover to be told that, due to the French worries about terrorist attacks, they were checking every car and there would be major delays.

'Around 5 and a half hours later we made it onto a ferry.There was only one booth open to check our passports even though the tail back of traffic was enormous - very few officials were about.

'I think this was because the one booth open just could not get enough cars through and the ferries had to leave the port to make room for others waiting to dock.

'We fully expected chaos at Calais but the port was deserted and we just drove away - no checks from anyone.

'We arrived in France, drove off the ferry and straight out of the port. We did not see any security, we were not stopped and were on our way to the south of France within minutes.'

Father Pranas Venckus, 34, was travelling to Europe with his wife and family for a two week holiday when he arrived at the gridlocked south coast in Kent.

He had four children in the back of the car, including a baby and set off from Bradford, West Yorkshire, this morning but was queuing for two hours to get into Dover.

Amy Capron: 'It's been so long since we actually moved that my driver (husband) has actually fallen asleep'

Amy Capron was travelling through Dover with her husband and children. She and her family even resorted to cooking sausages in their campervan at the side of the road

Hungry kids: Amy Capron's children grew so hungry while stuck in traffic she and her partner resorted to cooking their supplies on the road

He said: 'We've been queuing for two hours. The kids have been very patient so far. We have enough to drink. The baby is still bottle fed.

'It is frustrating. We heard about the problems on the way down here but there isn't much information.

'It is because of extra checks but it's taking so long. I blame the French. It feels like a political game. In my opinion it is because of Brexit.'

Exasperated motorists left stranded took to social media to vent their frustration.

Motorist Allison Dillon tweeted: 'Update on journey; still not there 20 hrs queuing. My niece walked to find food & fainted in petrol station. Disgrace'.

Renata Roslak said she and her husband left Birmingham at 7pm on Friday and still had not reached the port by Saturday evening.

She said: 'It's absolutely horrendous. We have maybe moved half a mile in the last eight hours. There isn't even somewhere to turn around and head home.

'I even phoned the police to find out what was happening - we were told that there weren't enough staff to cope with the extra security checks, so ferries are leaving but they aren't full.'

Amy Capron was travelling through Dover with her husband and children - and was stuck in traffic for some 17-and-a-half hours.

She said: 'After more than 6 hours in traffic we finally get a free bottle of water from police & coastguard. It's been so long since we actually moved that my driver (husband) has actually fallen asleep.'

She and her family even resorted to cooking sausages in their campervan at the side of the road.

Aga Soja tweeted: 'We have been stuck in a queue at Dover for seven hours now, travelling with kids...no food, no toilet...can anyone do anything? Local police?'

Kris Mazur spent the night on the A20 and said he had moved about one mile in 10 hours.

He said people were standing around at the edge of the road having picnics or sleeping in their cars, adding: 'There has been no access to food or toilets. The motorway is still completely blocked.'

Joerg Walther and his family, who live in Lincoln, had been stuck around five miles from Dover since 11am and described the situation as 'unprecedented'.

The 50-year-old IT worker was travelling with his wife and 12-year-old daughter to his home town of Giessen, near Frankfurt, taking a ferry crossing to Calais first.

Ravi Singh and two others brought cereal bars and thousands of bottles of water in a van and pick-up truck from Slough after being so moved by the plight of people stranded in lengthy queues heading to Dover

The team, volunteering as part of Khalsa Aid, contacted local police and authorities at the port, offering to help provide much-needed supplies

Chaos: The Port of Dover said it had no authority over French operations, but had raised the staffing issues with the Government last week

He added: 'It's worrying us that we don't know the progress. We don't know what's going on and how long it's going to be.'

Another Twitter user wrote: 'We move 100 metres every half an hour. But at least I have 1lt of water to drink my sorrows away. Dover please let me go'.

Meanwhile, a team of volunteers were so moved by the plight of people stranded in lengthy queues heading to Dover that they loaded up two vehicles with water to hand out to frustrated travellers.

Ravi Singh, 46, and two others brought cereal bars and thousands of bottles of water in a van and pick-up truck from Slough.

The team, volunteering as part of Khalsa Aid, contacted local police and authorities at the port, offering to help provide much-needed supplies.

A police helicopter helped distribute water to motorists on Saturday but Mr Singh said local officials had been only too happy to take up his offer of additional aid.

Mr Singh said: 'They said 'Okay, we'll take your offer up, when can you deliver?' So we went to the local cash and carry with a pick-up truck and a vanload, and drove with our vehicles full of water.'

The team ended up getting stuck in traffic themselves for hours but were finally able to deliver aid late on Saturday night.

Those stuck on the roads described the situation as 'tragic' and said they were frustrated at the lack of information as to when the disruption might end

Dover-bound traffic queuing on the M20 in Kent at Junctions 11A and 12 today. Police were forced to use helicopters to deliver water to stricken motorists

Police helicopters were drafted in on Saturday afternoon to deliver water to thousands of stricken motorists - as some 250,000 passengers pass through Dover on the busiest long weekend of the summer.

By Saturday evening, police said traffic was queued back 12 miles out of Dover. The Port tweeted: 'There is a 700min wait from Roundhill Tunnel in Folkestone to Dover and 119min wait from Whitfield to Dover.'

Police said disruption was set to continue 'for the next 36 to 48 hours'.

The port said it had no authority over French operations, but had raised the staffing issues with the Government last week.

Miles of traffic built up on the Kent motorways as a huge backlog of cars, coaches, lorries and motorhomes built up overnight on Friday into Saturday.

Once through border checks, there was said to be a trickle of traffic getting through to the ferries. However even when motorists have arrived in Dover there is even more traffic and congestion coming from all directions.

Those stuck on the roads described the situation as 'tragic' and said they were frustrated at the lack of information as to when the disruption might end.

Despite temperatures peaking at around 22C Saturday afternoon, police have advised people to stay in their cars.

They said: 'Kent Police is urging motorists to remain with their vehicles - traffic is stop and start and exiting vehicles can be dangerous. Delays have also been caused by motorists not being with their vehicles when traffic starts moving.'

Earlier on Saturday motorists described people getting out of their vehicles to stretch their legs, and children playing football to entertain themselves.

The Home Office said late on Saturday evening it would send in the UK Border Force to help French authorities at the Port of Dover.

Xavier Czerwinsk, a government official in Calais, told The Sun: 'The French border police have been providing the maximum number of officers available. But it has been exceptionally busy on the British side.

'And it is an exceptional situation here due to the state of emergency and level of security. We need to check 100 per cent of vehicles.'

Rob Jackson and his family left Golcar in West Yorkshire with his partner and two children at 8am Saturday morning and were still stuck in traffic on their way to Dover just before midnight

One motorist said: 'People are waiting in the heat, with no toilet, no water. It is horrible'.

Another said: 'Where are the police controlling the traffic? I would like to see some traffic control'.

Rob Jackson left Golcar in West Yorkshire with his partner and two children at 8am Saturday morning and were still stuck in traffic on their way to Dover just before midnight.

Mr Jackson told BBC News: 'For the most part coming from Yorkshire has been okay, we avoided the M25 because it was horrendous - I actually drove through London because it was easier.

'And now here we are.

'We were 14 miles from Dover when the traffic got bad'.

Speaking some 15 hours after starting his journey, Mr Jackson said he was just eight miles from the port but had moved just a mile and a half in one hour.

They had travelled six miles in seven hours.

Once they had crossed the channel, the Jackson family planned to go from Calais, driving through France to Italy before spending five or six days there then back to the south of France, 'then going Nice to pay my respects,' Mr Jackson added.

Nigel Downes, from Wigston, near Leicester, was stuck in traffic for 12 hours on the M20 before he reached the Port of Dover with his family.

MAYOR OF CALAIS INVITES BRITISH BUSINESSES TO SET UP IN FRANCE IN OPEN LETTER TO NEW PM THERESA MAY The Mayor of Calais has invited British businesses to set up in France in the wake of the Brexit vote, in an open letter to new Prime Minister Theresa May. The letter by Calais mayor Natacha Bouchart, who has previously called for refugee camps to be moved from France to Britain, said property prices and office rents were 'very competitive' in northern France. The controversial mayor took out an advert - headlined 'An open letter to Theresa May' - in the Dover Mercury newspaper on Thursday, July 21 in a bid to attract British business to Calais. She wrote: 'To the PM, Mrs Theresa May - As mayor, as a woman, I wish you a very friendly greeting from Calais. 'I wish you every success in your new charge and every encouragement accompanies you to complete your task. 'As the very moment where new relationships are being built, be reassured, dear Theresa, that Calais is more than ever looking towards Britain, 'You know that, for centuries, Calais has been a bridge between our two countries. 'You know that for centuries, we shared a common destiny. 'You are acquainted with our city you came here and I had the pleasure of welcoming you. 'Today, I wish to tell you that the bonds between are unbreakable. 'Calais stays on your side, by geography and by the heart. 'Through you, Madam Prime Minister, it is the whole British people that I want to reaffirm the Calais population's commitment to Britain. 'What brings us together has always been more import bat than what divides us. 'Let's continue to build our future together! 'To you, dear Theresa, tourists, businessmen, traders, institutions, politicians, I want to say: 'You're welcome'. 'Calais is the natural gateway between France and Britain. Calais can accommodate you, Calais offers you its hand.' She signs off as 'Natacha Bouchart, Mayor of Calais'. Speaking to the Dover Mercury, the Mayor of Calais, urged businesses to 'relocated to northern France' so they can 'maintain trading ties within the EU'. She said property prices and office rents in Calais were 'very competitive', adding that some firms 'may find it worthwhile to move to Calais to be located in the EU while remaining close to Kent'. Dover local Gary Archibald, 39, said: 'She can stick her daft advice - we voted to leave and leave we will. 'Calais isn't the most attractive place in the world, so I'll just stick here thanks.' Emma Pullen, managing director of the British Hovercraft Company, said it was a 'lovely offer' to move to France, but said that her firm was doing very well since Brexit - and that she was taking on new staff. She told the Dover Mercury newspaper: 'It's a lovely offer but we'll be remaining in the UK. 'This is the greatest time that we've had - we've had so many inquiries from all over the world since Brexit - they've gone through the roof. 'The lowered value of the pound is awesome for us. For a company that exports all over the world - not just in Europe - this really is a great time for us. I'm actually gearing up to hire more staff.' Advertisement

Nigel Downes, from Wigston, near Leicester, uploaded a family selfie while stuck in traffic near Dover at around midnight on Saturday

Traffic: Holidaymakers are facing queues at the port of Dover, as terror fears reportedly left hundreds of motorists stranded overnight after security checks were tightened by French authorities

Ground to a halt: Port authorities said French border control booths at Dover had been 'seriously understaffed overnight', claiming coaches were at one point having to wait 40 minutes each to be checked in

A Port of Dover spokesman said: 'We have been experiencing an exceptional security situation at French border controls situated within the Port of Dover.

'French Border Authorities have been operating at a heightened level of security.

'However, the French border control booths have been seriously understaffed overnight with only three booths available for tourists out of a potential seven.

ADVICE BEING GIVEN TO DRIVERS Motorists travelling this weekend and over the coming days are being given the following advice: Expect delays on their journeys and allow extra time Check travel conditions before setting out and, where it is safe to do so, during journeys Ensure they and their cars are fit for the journey - including taking regular breaks and topping up with fuel All traffic is advised to consider using the M20 Local traffic is advised to consider other routes such as the B2011, A256 or A258, which may not be suitable for HGVs Highways England provides live traffic information via its website, local and national radio travel bulletins, electronic road signs and mobile apps. Local Twitter services are also available at @HighwaysSEAST. Travel advice for drivers heading to the Port of Dover is also available on Twitter via @PoD-travelnews or from Kent County Council via @KentHighways. Advertisement

'At one stage, only one French officer was available to check passengers on hundreds of coaches, resulting in each coach taking 40 minutes to process.

'The Port of Dover, which has no authority over French border operations, raised concerns over French manning levels with the UK Government earlier this week and the Government, in turn, raised the issue with its French counterparts.

'The current wait remains lengthy and passengers should contact ferry operators for information, consider delaying their departure, and ensure they have plenty of water and food with them if deciding to travel.

'The Port shares and appreciates the frustration of the travelling public. We are doing all we can as a responsible port operator. Our Chief Executive has just spoken with our Dover MP Charlie Elphicke to help us escalate this once again at Government level.'

A Government spokeswoman said: 'We recognise the security pressures that French law enforcement organisations are under at Dover and we have agreed the UK Border Force will assist the PAF (French border police) with border checks to remove the backlog.

'We understand that there has been extraordinary disruption in the Dover area today but safety is paramount.

'Measures are also being taken on the approach to the port where Kent Police will be proactively managing traffic to speed up the process.'

By Saturday morning French officials relaxed their checks to help ease congestion.

A Kent Police spokesman said: 'Disruption on the roads leading to Dover is now likely to continue over the next two days.

'Due to the heightened security checks by the French Authorities and the large volume of holidaymakers making their way to Europe, motorists are currently experiencing delays of around 10 hours on the A20, with approximately 12 miles of queuing traffic back to junction 11 of the M20.

'Kent Police is working with Highways England and the Port of Dover to minimise delays as much as possible and get traffic moving.

'Motorists who are setting out are advised to take plenty of food and water and to check with travel operators before making their trips. If possible, consider taking alternative routes or altering your travel arrangements.

'Kent Police is urging motorists to remain with their vehicles - traffic is stop and start and exiting vehicles can be dangerous.

'In order to stay safe drink regularly, wear sunscreen and keep vehicles well ventilated. Also ensure your cars are filled with enough fuel.'

The Highways Agency added: 'Drivers heading to Dover are being advised to expect severe delays as key routes are heavily congested.

'French border police at the Port of Dover and Eurotunnel continue to follow French government requirements to deliver heightened security checks to keep the traveling public safe following the recent attacks in France.

'All traffic is being advised to use the M20/A20 as the A2 is at a standstill into the Port of Dover.

'Highways England are working hard with Kent Police, Kent County Council and the Port of Dover to help do all we can for road users.

'The estimated delay time in Kent is several hours.

'With the summer getaway there are severe delays on the M2/A2, M20/A20 and at Round Hill tunnel.'

The big getaway: One driver, who has been caught in the delays for 12 hours, said 'there was a bit of a camping spirit going on' among those stuck in the jam

Off they go: Holidaymakers and lorry drivers have been warned they face queues lasting hours on Saturday and have been advised to stock up on food and water as the great summer getaway begins

MP CRITICISES 'COMPLETELY UNACCEPTABLE' SITUATION WHILE SHADOW HOME SECRETARY ACCUSES GOVERNMENT OF BEING 'ILL-PREPARED' Conservative MP for Dover Charlie Elphicke, who was stuck in traffic for around two hours on Friday evening, said there had been a lack of forward planning which led to 'poor transport management'. Mr Elphicke said the situation was 'completely unacceptable' and should have been predicted. He said: 'The Department for Transport and Home Office knew there would be heightened security checks in place in France. They should have been prepared. They weren't. 'The families stuck in this traffic nightmare should by now be across the Channel enjoying their holidays. 'They are owed an apology, as are the people of Dover who once again have to put up with traffic chaos in the town. 'The Government needs to take control of the situation on the road and help families and vulnerable people stranded in the tailbacks. 'The extra French border checks are no excuse for poor transport management.' Shadow Home Secretary Andy Burnham said the Government had been 'caught ill-prepared once again'. He said: 'Theresa May should have anticipated heightened security checks in France - the Home Office and Department for Transport have been caught ill-prepared once again. 'This can't carry on and it certainly can't happen again. Ministers must take action to assist the thousands of holiday-makers who, through no fault of their own, are now stranded. It's the beginning of the busiest holiday period and the Government cannot allow this to continue.' Advertisement

Motorists trapped in huge tailbacks heading to Dover have described their frustration as food supplies run low - and some turned to music for distraction.

Lorry drivers and people setting off on holiday have been among those hit by delays on the roads leading to the port.

As the sun shone and drivers realised they were not going anywhere fast on Saturday, some stepped out for a kickabout while others played music and danced.

Footage from the blocked M20 showed young families dancing along to the sound of a steel drummer accompanied by a tambourine player.

In another video a man took up his banjo while sitting by a trailer amid traffic at a standstill.

Rachael Mellor said she was getting ready to sleep in her car - despite the fact she could see the port.

Sonia Tutt who was travelling as part of a convoy headed to Luhmuhlen in Germany, described the situation on the A20 on Saturday as 'tragic'.

The 38-year-old, from Hythe in Kent, who was travelling with more than a dozen people, including her 14-year-old twin daughters, to the Mounted Games European Championships, set out early on Saturday and finally arrived in Calais after 4pm.

Speaking as she sat in traffic she said: 'Situation is tragic. And I'm carrying horses on board, we have had no help or information, very poor situation.'

She added: 'Everyone is out of their vehicles, kids are playing football. There's not been one police car or anything.

'Even when we went to join the motorway there was no indication that when you joined you were likely to be sitting here all night.'

Revving things up: Heavy traffic is seen on the M5 outside Bristol as holidaymakers head down to Devon and Cornwall for a summer break

Summer holiday getaway: As schools start to empty for the holidays, the anti-clockwise M25 in Dartford, Kent, is filling up with traffic

Richard Howard and his wife Jo left at 4am this morning from Bournemouth.

It took them six and a half hours in the car with their two sons aged seven and two.

He said: 'We're just going for a week in France. It's been a bit stressful with two kids in the back! We were supposed to be in France by now.'

Port of Dover staff spent the night checking on the safety of passengers stranded in their vehicles and distributing bottles of water.

Victoria Court was travelling with her three children from Birmingham to France on holiday.

She said: 'we set off from Birmingham at 8.30pm last night. We have lost my brother in the traffic somewhere.

'It's been an absolute nightmare with three children. But all drivers and Lorry drivers have been brilliant - rallying together helping each other out with food and water etc.'

Edgars Cerapanovs travelled from Birmingham with his family.

He said: 'We have been in the traffic jam for 14 hours. We only live two and a half hours from here.

'It's been terrible. I don't know why it's so bad around here. '

On the road: The Port of Dover advised local traffic to use alternative routes through the official Twitter account and said approximate waiting times on roads approaching the port is around four hours

Hit the road: The M5 outside Bristol was busy Friday afternoon as Britons made their way down to the South West for their holidays

Jack Donnelly from London had been stuck for more than seven hours.

He said they had not been given much information and families with children were especially struggling with the heat, adding: 'People are helping each other out but the atmosphere is starting to get tense.'

Dale Savage was caught in the delays for 12 hours en route to his brother's wedding where he was due to be Best Man.

He added: 'There are a lot of kids here, a lot of young children - a lot of people want to go on their holidays.

'There are no real frustrations, the real problem was no one knew what was going on.'

He said there was a 'camping spirit... very much like Glastonbury'.

Suzanne Holland said she had finally checked in for the 8.30am crossing - 12 hours after arriving in Dover.