Roads leading to Kent's ports are predicted to be 'extremely busy' again this weekend - a week after a critical incident was declared in Dover.

Drivers are being advised to 'plan ahead' during what is one of the busiest periods of the year for travel.

It comes after holidaymakers and hauliers alike were stuck for hours on roads leading to the Port of Dover and Eurotunnel at Folkestone last week, just a day after schools broke up for the summer break.

Ferries were reporting delays of more than five hours, with the reason for the chaos blamed on under staffing at border control, as well as more checks following Britain's exit from the EU.

The problems on the roads started on Friday, and continued until Monday, when port traffic was reported to have returned to 'normal'.

As such, a critical incident was declared by Port bosses, with roads in both Dover and Folkestone gridlocked as the towns struggled to cope with the extra traffic.

The M20 was shut from Junction 8 to Junction 11 for much of the weekend, but reopened fully with Operation Brock in place from Sunday night.

About 72,000 passengers – more than 200 miles of tourist and freight traffic combined – were processed across the weekend.

But Highways England are predicting more queues this weekend.

A statement reads: "As one of the busiest periods of the year for holiday makers continues, drivers travelling in and around Kent are advised to plan ahead as this weekend is likely to be extremely busy.

"Operation Brock contraflow remains in place on the M20 and is part of a series of measures to improve Kent’s resilience and ensure the smooth flow of traffic through the region in the event of disruption to services across the English Channel."

The roads authority is advising people travelling to Kent to:

- check the latest advice with their operators before travelling

- leave extra time for journeys

- ensure they have enough food and water provisions with them

- stay up to date about traffic conditions by following @HighwaysSEAST on Twitter or tuning in to local radio

- check tyres, water and oil before setting off

HGVs heading to the ports must following signs to join Operation Brock at M20 Junction 8 - if they don't comply they risk a fine of £300.

All other coast bound traffic - including local freight and car drivers headed for the continent - should follow the signs and cross over to enter the contraflow on the M20 London bound carriageway.

There were fresh queues at Eurotunnel and Dover yesterday on the first day of train strikes, which saw extra cars on Kent's roads.

Ferry operator P&O Ferries warned passengers of “major queues” and to expect a two-hour wait to complete checks before they could board a ship.