Newhaven Ferry Port suspends traffic for 48 hours

Hauliers booked on these services have been contacted and told not to set out, East Sussex County Council said.

Sailings continue for unaccompanied freight trailers, the council confirmed.

A county council spokesman said: “The port of Newhaven has not reported any congestion at its site and traffic on roads in Sussex was at normal levels this morning.

“The Sussex Resilience Forum is working as always with local transport operators and businesses to help keep the county moving and supplied.”

Some passengers have been unable to fly as planned from Gatwick to countries which have temporary restrictions on UK arrivals but the airport is operating flights to other destinations from its North terminal, the council said.

Passengers are asked to check travel details with their airline before heading to Gatwick.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson is holding an emergency Cobra meeting today following the French travel ban amid fears over the new mutant coronavirus strain.

The Government advises shoppers to continue as normal, with supermarkets and other food businesses well-stocked.