The M20 will be turned into a giant lorry park because of huge disruption to cross-channel trade caused by the EU in the event of a no-deal Brexit, according to official no deal plans unveiled next week.

The Telegraph understands that official plans for a no deal Brexit, which will be published next week, say that while the UK will "minimise" customs checks at British ports there is a "high likelihood" that there will be "disruption and delays" at European ports.

According to an industry source, the document states that in the event of a "no deal" Brexit Operation Brock - which will see half the M20 closed off for a 13-mile stretch- will form a "key part" of contingency plans.

One half of the motorway would be used as a lorry park for lorries queuing for Dover and Folkestone, with all traffic squeezed onto the other half.

The "technical notice" for the haulage industry suggests that British lorries could be banned from travelling to the European Union entirely, forcing haulage companies to resort to shipping freight in containers instead.