A Strike by French fishermen, protesting about the large increase in the price of Fuel, has led to the implementation of Operation Stack on the M20 in Kent to ease jams caused by lorries going to Dover port.
Blockades by the fishermen have closed the ports of Calais, Dunkirk and Boulogne.
At 1700 BST, it was estimated that about 1,200 lorries were queuing on the M20.
Up to 3,320 vehicles can be stacked on the coastbound carriageway between the two closed junctions, the statement said.
Motorists are being urged to plan their journeys in the run-up to the bank holiday weekend, to carry water and food in case of queues.
They are also advised to check with cross-channel ferry operators before setting off for scheduled sailings.
The Folkestone to Calais Eurotunnel shuttle service that carries freight and cars is running normally.
