There were chaotic scenes today as hundreds of customers turned up to the newly reopened McDonald's drive-thru outlets in Strood and Gillingham.

Cars tailed back for about a mile from the Medway City Estate through the Medway Tunnel this evening as the allure of a burger and chips was too much for many, who braved new queuing systems at the fast food outlets.

Customers were directed by security staff at the site, while signs warned of a reduced menu and extra safety measures.

Roads around the Strood site were reportedly grid-locked with cars blocking many roads around the town centre.

While queues on the Medway City Estate are all too common for the thousands of workers normally based there, it was a different scenario as tailbacks were caused getting onto the estate this evening.

One driver said the queue went through the Medway Tunnel and halfway up the dual carriageway section the other side.

Another eye-witness seeing the jams in Strood said she was "shocked" to see the number of cars on the roads in the town.

McDonalds reopened 30 restaurants today as it pushed through its reopening strategy following coronavirus lockdown.

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A McDonald’s spokesperson said: “With restaurant teams adjusting to new procedures to enable safe working and social distancing, things may take a little longer – and high demand is anticipated.

"We are aware of some queues at the Strood restaurant, which at this stage the team is managing effectively.

"We will work closely with local authorities and the police as required, and may determine that it is necessary to close Drive-Thru lanes if queues cause disruption at busier sites or put employees or customers at risk.”

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