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What's the relevance of Brexit?

Intense traffic congestion around Dover is partly down to “Brexit scenarios”, according to the head of the British Ports Association.

Chief executive Richard Ballantyne said the gridlock was mainly down to the suspension of sailings by P&O Ferries after it sacked 800 workers – but pointed to Brexit bureaucracy as another factor.

“There’s still congestion,” he told Sky News on Saturday. “P&O Ferries is out of service at the moment, which is probably the main cause of all the congestion – coupled with one or two other little incidents, and other Brexit scenarios.” Mr Ballantyne added: “We’re hoping things clears as soon as possible, but I appreciate for those stuck in queues at the port and Eurotunnel it must be very frustrating.”

Britons trying to travel to France over Easter have been advised to bring food and drink for expected delays, as lengthy queues continue around Dover. The congestion in Kent has mainly blamed on the shortage of ferries caused by the suspension of sailings by P&O Ferries following the controversial mass sacking of seafarers without notice.

But problems with a key IT system for post-Brexit customs checks are also contributing traffic chaos around Dover, where thousands of commercial lorries have been stuck in queues.The Road Haulage Association (RHA) said the HMRC was “continuing to have issues” with its new GVMS system for customs declarations needed by hauliers following Britain’s exit from the EU.