Kent's roads are expected to be flooded with Olympics traffic

Kent's transport network will come under huge pressure today on the first weekday of the Olympics.

Southeastern introduced a temporary timetable at the weekend, giving priority to spectators and people travelling to the Games.

Up to 250,000 extra people are expected to flood the county on every day of the Olympics and Paralympics.

Most will either be staying in Kent or using the roads and public transport to get to competitions.

Ebbsfleet International station - described as the "gateway to the Games" - as well as the A2 into London and Eurostar and Eurotunnel services are likely to be most affected.

Southeastern's high-speed trains have become a shuttle service between London St Pancras, Stratford and Ebbsfleet - with a few trains travelling onto Faversham.

Commuters using Southeastern services to and from London are being warned to expect changes to their journeys.

The firm has introduced an Olympics timetable, which will run until Sunday, August 12 and from August 29 to September 9.

It comes after the Port of Dover was swamped with tourists arriving for the start of the Games at the weekend.

Around 30,000 people had booked to travel with P&O from Calais to Dover - a 20% increase on the same weekend last year.

The extra number of people coming to Kent during every day of the Games is the equivalent to just under the population of Medway - or the populations of Canterbury and Dartford combined.

Roads chiefs at Kent County Council called on firms and residents to get ready for the influx - with extra pressure expected on our transport systems.

Cllr David Brazier, Kent County Council deputy cabinet member for highways, said: "We know the Games will draw many people into Kent and we want to make sure regular travellers do not get caught out by the increase in visitors.

"Much work has also gone into providing travel and other information for residents and visitors. This can be found on a dedicated website that will help keep Kent moving during this fabulous event."