The possibility of Operation Stack being enforced has not been ruled out as thousands of football fans prepare to head to France for Euro 2016.

Highways chiefs and the police say they are working hard to ensure there is "minimal disruption" to the county's roads.

But they expect thousands of fans to use Kent's ports adding extra pressure on the road network - with Stack considered "as a last resort".

The tournament kicks off in Paris tonight with France hosting Romania in the opening game.

Many England, Wales and Northern Ireland fans are expected to drive across to France using the ferries from Dover or the Channel Tunnel from Folkestone.

England's first game is tomorrow night against Russia (8pm) while Wales will play Slovakia at 5pm. Northern Ireland's first game is on Sunday at 5pm.

But the authorities say they are prepared for the influx of football fans heading to the continent from the county for the tournament, which ends on July 10.

Kent Police and Highways England say they have been working closely with French police and the port authorities at Dover and Folkestone to ensure fans travelling has a minimal disruption to residents in Kent.

And they have assured that Operation Stack will only be used "as a last resort".

Operation Stack has not been in place for more than 10 months since the chaos of last summer.

French dockers striking and migrants overrunning port security led to a crackdown with the British government pumping tens of millions to bolster perimeter fencing and more stringent patrols and border security.

When the World Cup was last hosted in Europe - in Germany in 2006 - more than 350,000 England fans travelled.

Of those some 36,000 used the Port of Dover while 20,000 used the Channel Tunnel.

But with the Welsh and Northern Irish also in this year's tournament more fans from the UK are expected to be travelling.

Highways England, which manages the country's motorway network, said this week they will be monitoring traffic levels "on an ongoing basis".

A spokesman added: "We will continue to work with our partners to safely manage traffic arriving at the Channel Tunnel and Port of Dover. Operation Stack is only used as a last resort."

"We will continue to work with our partners to safely manage traffic arriving at the Channel Tunnel and Port of Dover. Operation Stack is only used as a last resort." Highways England

Kent Police echoed the message that Operation Stack would be a last resort "following consultation with partner agencies and in the declaration of an emergency".

A spokesman said: "Kent Police is supporting the French policing operation for Euro 2016 to ensure a safe and trouble-free tournament.

"We are also working with partners, including Highways England, the Port of Dover and Eurotunnel, to make sure those travelling to and from the continent over the summer do so smoothly and with minimal disruption."

The body has also asked football fans heading to France to plan their journeys and encouraged passengers to use the M2/A2 routes to the ports.

Local traffic has been advised to use other routes including the B2011, A256 or A258.

Motorists heading to France have been reminded to plan and leave plenty of time for journeys, check conditions before setting out and ensuring their cars are ready for driving in France which include taking regular breaks and topping up with fuel.

Live traffic information is available via the Highways England website, local and national radio travel bulletins, electronic roads signs and mobile apps.

Drivers can also head to @HighwaysSEast on Twitter for latest travel updates or call 0300 123 5000 when safe to do so.