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Roads in Dover and Thanet are blocked due to continued chaos at the ports

Roads in Kent are at a complete standstill this morning as the border reopens.

The A2 leading into Dover is now completely gridlocked with lorries parked up along the verge.

Traffic is at a stand still in Dover, as well as other parts of Kent
Traffic is at a stand still in Dover, as well as other parts of Kent

Congestion is also building up in the town, with stationary traffic filling both the A20 Townwall Street and the A256 Woolcomber Street.

Issues have been compounded by protesting truckers blockading the port's exit to stop UK-bound freight leaving.

Stagecoach bus company is now reporting 'total closure' on routes in Dover.

A statement reads: "OK folks, we now have a total closure.

"Connaught, Park Ave, Maison Dieu out to Hollis motors and beyond.

"At this point no buses are operating in Dover. Buses coming in from Deal and Canterbury are just getting trapped on the roads.

"We are unable to operate."

Stagecoach said some routes to Folkestone are also affected.

A Twitter user said the road blockages are affecting people getting to work, with carers struggling to 'get around'.

It comes as lorry drivers are now also clashing with police at Dover as tensions over testing soar.

Many have been stranded at the port town since Sunday when the border was closed due to fears over the "out of control" new coronavirus strain.

Congestion on approach to Manston
Congestion on approach to Manston

The ban was lifted last night but drivers must test negative at a huge pop up testing site at Manston Airport before they make the trip.

But roads around the Manston site are now also gridlocked as huge crowds of drivers block the main carriageway in protest at not being able to leave.

As many as 100 have stopped traffic on Hengist Way and are singing and chanting, causing huge queues back towards Minster.

It is understood they are frustrated at being held on the site because Dover is backed up with lorries.

Police at the scene said they were expecting more patrols to arrive to remove the drivers.

There are problems at Manston too - drivers have left their vehicles to protest in the road
There are problems at Manston too - drivers have left their vehicles to protest in the road

At the same time, more lorries are still arriving at the makeshift truck park, likely in the hope of accessing a coronavirus test - their golden ticket into France.

Queues of cars interspersed with lorries line the Hengist Way, with people standing outside of their vehicles.

Our reporter witnessed some motorists removing cones and performing U-turns on the pavement to avoid the standstill, but a police presence is now acting as a suitable deterrent.

Lorries have also turned up in Folkestone as drivers attempt to get a test at the walk-through centre in Cheriton.

Drivers have parked in Church Road and also on the Shorncliffe Heights estate since 2am.

It is not known if the drivers will be able to get a test at the site.

Read more: All the latest news from Dover

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