Congestion chaos at the Dover port crossing is reportedly costing transport companies £800 per lorry – as British hauliers of perishable goods complain the long waiting times are causing products to go bad.

The suspension of P&O ferry services at the terminal as well as Easter traffic, IT issues and bad weather, have led to lengthy queues for transporters.

Hauliers of perishable goods now want to be given priority at the busy port in Kent.

According to the British Meat Processors Association (BMPA), some members have had to wait for over 24 hours to cross into mainland Europe which has caused meat and other perishables to go off.

A spokesperson for the BMPA said that ferry suspensions, after P&O sacked nearly 800 seafarers without notice, had combined with other issues to create a “perfect storm” of problems with the export process.

They said: “The priority for the authorities should be to help lorries with perishable goods get through as quickly as possible.

“Shelf life is being lost which costs money and creates waste and business will be lost if this continues.

“We need the authorities to review the situation as soon as possible and take some appropriate actions.”

One meat haulier, Eardley International, added lorries were experiencing delays of “20 to 25 hours to cross the Channel”.

Company director Graham Eardley explained the company, which is based in Lockerbie, Scotland, takes fresh meat from the UK into Europe.

He said the delays were costing the business up to £800 per lorry.

The Department of Transport has been contacted for comment.