Tourism chiefs in the county say visitor hot spots in the county are reporting a 50% drop in numbers due to the current traffic crisis in the county.

Deirdre Wells, chief executive of Visit Kent, the county's tourism agency, has now written to all of Kent's MPs calling for them to demand support and swift action from the government to resolve the "dire" situation.

Traffic has dominated the headlines after P&O Ferries decision to sack staff saw its cross-Channel ferries pulled from service.

The situation has been exacerbated by the surge in traffic as families look to get away for Easter.

Read just why our roads are in such chaos - click here.

Deirdre Wells said: "The situation on Kent’s roads is quite frankly dire and risks damaging the image of our beautiful county and ‘Global Britain'.

“We are heading into one of the busiest times of the year for the tourism industry and this is another body blow to visitor economy businesses that have already suffered so much due to the pandemic.

"Many are reporting a 50% drop in footfall due to the current crisis.

“The combination of huge consumer demand, staff shortages, the current situation with P&O plus inadequate infrastructure are all contributing to the chaos.

"Today, I have written to all MPs in Kent to ask that they urgently raise this issue with colleagues in the Department of Transport and at No 10 in order to find a solution which salvages both the reputation and economy of our county.”

Yesterday, it was revealed the hold-ups could last for up to three weeks - although the situation is likely to be eased if P&O can, as it has suggested, resume services next week.