The Port of Dover could be gridlocked on a regular basis if the UK leaves the EU with no deal, according to the EU’s chief Brexit negotiator.

Prime Minister Theresa May has formally triggered Article 50 today in an historic move that will mark the start of the process of the UK leaving the EU.

She told MPs that it was "an historic moment...and there's no turning back."

That was echoed by former Ukip leader Nigel Farage, who is a South East MEP. He said: "I am thrilled because we have passed the point of no return. There will be lots of arguments and debates over the next two years but we are leaving."

But there was a cautious response from Labour South East MEP Annelise Dodds. She called for the government to end the uncertainty surrounding the status of foreign workers in the UK and expats living abroad.

"They should not be forced to leave. I would have liked the government to say right from the start that people living in Britain would be able to stay. The government has been putting EU nationals under a great deal of uncertainty. It would have been much easier for us to argue that Brits living abroad should have their future guaranteed too."

Michel Barnier, who is leading the negotiation on behalf of the 27 member states, warned: "Severe disruption to air transport and long queues at the Channel Port of Dover are just some of the many examples of the negative consequences of failing to reach a deal.”

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He added: "While the 27 member states will find it easier to adjust – as they will still benefit from the single market, the customs union and more than 60 trade deals with their international partners we believe it is in the best interests of both sides to reach a deal on the UK's orderly withdrawal from the EU."

Dover MP Charlie Elphicke said the uncertainty underlined the importance of ensuring Kent’s road network was resilient and reinforced the case for a £250m investment in a lorry park off the M20.

In a Commons speech during the budget debate, he said: “We need the infrastructure in the Channel ports as well to make sure that we are ready on day one.

"We should make an investment in the port of Dover that is similar to, and greater than, that which we have most graciously made in Calais in recent years.

"It is time we put Britain, and Britain’s border, at the forefront of our policy.

Today’s decision to invoke Article 50 comes just eight months after the referendum that delivered Brexit.

Voters in Kent backed leaving the EU by 59% to 41% with 970,000 people taking part in the referendum.

And the county proved overwhelmingly Euro-sceptic with just one area - Tunbridge Wells - voting to remain.

Today’s vote will be just the beginning of what is likely to prove a protracted negotiation with the EU member states.

For Kent, one of the major issues will be border controls and immigration.