Travellers heading toward the Port of Dover are now facing less than five-minute waits – after hold-ups of around an hour to get through customs checks earlier this morning.

The delays had been believed to be a result of the pre-Christmas getaway, the introduction of traffic management system Dover TAP on the A20 heading into the town, and an earlier crash on the coastbound section of the A20 at Capel-le-Ferne.

All three of the major cross-Channel ferry operators – DFDS, P&O and Irish Ferries – say they are being affected.

The Port of Dover tweeted: “There is currently just a 5 minute wait time for cars at French border control and no wait time for coaches.”

Those with bookings are being assured they will travel on the next available sailing if the delays hold up their crossing.

Eurotunnel says it too is experiencing problems, with delays of up to 30 minutes for departures.