Proposals to roll out hi-tech border checks at the Channel ports - which have sparked fears of delays - could be shelved.

Biometric scanners were due to be introduced by the EU in November at the Port of Dover and Eurotunnel.

But now, the entry-exit technology, which has already faced a raft of delays, could be pushed back further following concerns the system may impact the 2024 Paris Olympics.

The expected move is likely to be discussed by the EU in June, The Guardian has reported.

Under the new proposals, people entering the European bloc from non-EU countries, including the UK, will need four fingerprints taken and a photograph.

It has prompted transport bosses to warn the technology could exacerbate huge transport delays like those experienced during the Easter weekend.

The postponement of the new rules would help ease friction at the border between the UK and the EU at Dover and Folkestone, which has already been causing heavy backlogs on Kent’s roads.

Last month, the government was forced to concede Brexit played a role in the huge delays over the easter break.

Senior figures in the transport industry have previously warned delays could be even worse when EES is introduced.

The laws require the gathering of biometric data ­– fingerprints scanned, photographs taken – in the presence of a French officer of the Police aux Frontières (PAF) when crossing the border.

It will increase processing times and create longer queues at the border during the peak season, it is understood.

According to the Guardian, sources have said the November introduction “is not going to happen”.

The source, who claims to be involved in meetings between the UK government and French authorities said: “The only question is whether the enrolment will be pushed back until spring 2024, or until after the Olympics in July and August in Paris.

“There is an EU meeting on June 9 and we are hoping there will be confirmation from there that it is being pushed back to 2024 – that is what everyone is waiting to find out.”