A major incident could be declared this weekend in Dover if swift action is not taken to ease the traffic chaos.

A series of issues - including lack of ferries, Operation Brock, Dover TAP and increased Easter holiday traffic - are having serious repercussions across Kent's major road network.

Today marks the seventh day of problems, with part of the M20 remaining closed, along with the Roundhill Tunnel and Brenley Corner also being reduced to one lane.

Last Saturday, residents and business owners in Dover complained of not being able to leave their homes as the town's roads were blocked with HGVs attempting to get to the port.

With P&O ferries still out of action following the mass firing of 800 seafarers, DFDS and Irish Ferries are working to pick up the extra capacity.

Now, leader of Dover District Council Trevor Bartlett has written an open letter in which he states Dover 'deserves better' and says more problems this weekend will 'not be tolerated'.

He voices concerns about how emergency services will access roads, or how businesses will endure another weekend of no customers.

In the letter, Cllr Bartlett (Con) says he will declare a major incident if Dover sees a repeat of last weekend.

Cllr Bartlett said: "This weekend (April 8-10) is again likely to be challenging on the local road network.

"With P&O Ferries still not operating from Dover, the port will be under severe pressure throughout the busy Easter getaway.

"It would be remiss of me not to warn you to expect, and prepare for, some disruption again this weekend.

"But I have made it clear to the Kent Resilience Forum, Kent Police and Kent County Council that we will not tolerate another weekend of gridlock in Dover.

"For too long, local residents and businesses have had to endure disruption and quite frankly, deserve better.

"We share your concerns about the impact of gridlock on local businesses, and access to vital health and social care for our most vulnerable residents.

"And many are rightly worried about how the emergency services would be able to respond to a major incident when all routes into the town are effectively cut off.

"Keeping Dover clear must be the top priority.

"That means prompt and effective action to keep key junctions and roundabouts clear, and rigorous enforcement to penalise HGV drivers jumping the queue by using Dover town centre as a rat run.

"We will be monitoring the situation closely throughout the weekend and I will not hesitate to authorise DDC Officers to declare a major incident if we see signs of the sort of congestion witnessed last weekend.

'For too long, local residents and businesses have had to endure disruption and quite frankly, deserve better...'

"Declaring a major incident would force the issue and trigger a more robust response.

"Finally, I want to assure you that we are applying pressure at the highest levels for a long-term solution.

"Together with our local MP and the Leader of Kent County Council, I met with the Roads Minister on Monday.

"We were united in calling for more investment in Dover to ensure that our road network is fit for purpose, both for local residents and businesses and as the nation’s Gateway."

Earlier this week, Cllr Bartlett said the port and town seemed to be an "acceptable sacrifice" in emergency planning and said his council is now reviewing its involvement with the multi-agency Kent Resilience Forum.