The government has relaxed the rules on the number of hours lorry drivers can go without a break with unions warning the move could cause crashes on Kent's roads.

The government has been forced to temporarily relax the limit as part of efforts to ease congestion around UK ports, including three days of queues this week alone at the Port of Dover and Eurotunnel.

The move is in response to "pressures on local and national supply chains" and applies to drivers in Britain who are transporting food and other essential goods, such as medical supplies.

Drivers will be able to work two consecutive six-day weeks until December 30 for goods travelling between transport hubs, warehouses and stores - bringing maximum hours from 90 in 14 days to 99.

In an announcement the Department for Transport said: "In response to pressures on local and national supply chains, the DfT has... introduced a temporary and limited urgent relaxation of the enforcement of EU drivers’ hours rules in England, Scotland and Wales.

"This is as a consequence of urgent and exceptional issues related to certain road transport operations, including in the context of port congestion, unusual demand patterns and the effects of coronavirus (COVID-19)-related restrictions on supply chains and demand on them."

The relaxation applies to anyone driving within Britain under the EU drivers’ hours rules involved in the transport of food and essential goods.

The DfT added: "Driver safety must not be compromised. Drivers should not be expected to drive while tired – employers remain responsible for the health and safety of their employees and other road users."

Drivers are expected to note down the reasons for their longer work hours.

But unions say the move is dangerous and increases the risks of accidents

Unite said it opposed a relaxation in the regulations governing lorry drivers’ hours.

It warned the move would not resolve the congestion problem and there were major safety implications, with fatigue being a higher risk during the winter months when a lack of daylight and poor weather made driving more stressful and dangerous.

Unite national officer for road haulage Adrian Jones said: “Putting more drivers into the port areas will simply increase congestion and make the problem worse. Relaxing driver hours will result in increased levels of fatigue, which is especially dangerous in poor weather that frequently occurs during the winter months.”

“There are sufficient drivers to collect the waiting cargo, but the ports need to ensure that goods can be collected and delivered more swiftly.

The relaxation means that in a four-week period beginning today, a driver can take two consecutive reduced weekly rest periods of at least 24 hours - allowing them to work two six-day weeks.

Congestion and traffic delays around the Port of Dover and Eurotunnel continue to create problems for those crossing the channel. The disruption has led to the implementation of Dover Tap on the A20.

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