The new A20 traffic management system has been temporarily suspended on safety grounds.

The Port of Dover said that after consultation with the police and Highways England that they agreed to remove it temporarily.

It was introduced in April for a trial period, and is designed to regulate the flow of traffic towards the port during busy periods.

Traffic lights at the Western Heights roundabout stop HGVs blocking Dover's roads.

It comes a day after MyFerryLink workers went on strike in Calais yesterday, forcing closure of its port.

Dover to Calais crossings were cancelled and passengers and freight vehicles faced huge delays.

The port's chief executive Tim Waggott said: "Following consultation with our partners, including Kent Police and Highways England, it has been agreed to temporarily suspend the traffic management system on safety grounds."

As a result, Operation Stack was implemented on the M20 and is set to be in place until the end of today.

This will allow the backlog of freight traffic to clear.

A statement from the port said it is not designed to be utilised during times where Operation Stack is imposed.

Mr Waggott said: "Although we will collectively seek to improve the operational efficiency of the new traffic management system, at this time, the most important issue is the safety of people using the A20.”

The new road layout is not designed to hold vehicles for a prolonged period and having drivers stop and exit their vehicles brings risk to all road users.