Dramatic tidal surges meant a 318-tonne electricity transformer due to travel through Ashford to Sellindge yesterday is still at Dover Docks.

The 75-metre long transformer was scheduled to spend most of the day travelling at about 12mph along the A20, B2011 Folkestone Road and M20 with a police escort.

But there were delays in offloading it at the dock, which meant the journey was postponed.

National Grid spokesman Rozi Pearson said: “The postponement of the transformer delivery from Dover Docks to National Grid’s Sellindge Substation was unavoidable.

"It was due to delays in offloading the transformer from the ship with the dramatic tidal surges and rough water over the last few days meaning it was unsafe to carry out the operation.

“The offloading was finally completed on Sunday and, despite every effort being made to move the transformer as planned, there was not enough time remaining to move the transformer to Sellindge on the day.

"In consultation with the police it was agreed the movement of the transformer should be rescheduled.

“National Grid will continue to do all it can to minimise any disruption to the local residents and road users by providing information on the rescheduled date once it has been finalised.”