FREEZING fog caused severe problems for Britain's biggest port today - leaving high-rise quayside cranes frozen with ice.The port had to be closed and Operation Stack put in place as lorry parks at Felixstowe quickly became full with early hours arrivals.

FREEZING fog caused severe problems for Britain's biggest port today - leaving high-rise quayside cranes frozen with ice.

The port had to be closed and Operation Stack put in place as lorry parks at Felixstowe quickly became full with early hours arrivals.

The unusual conditions started late last night as temperatures plunged and fog which had persisted all day started to freeze.

The air frost meant cranes were frozen solid and could not operate.

A port spokesman said: “We are currently experiencing continued and significant problems with ice on the cranes on the quayside and park.

“Several attempts to de-ice the equipment have been unsuccessful and it remains unsafe for the drivers to climb the cranes.

“Rail and yard operations have been affected and, for the safety of all port users, we are currently restricting access to operational areas.

“Vehicles are being marshalled on site and will be processed through to operational areas as soon as it is safe to do so.”

It was hoped the message would reach hauliers and that truckers would delay their journeys until the problems were solved.

In the meantime, with yards and port holding areas full, Operation Stack was brought into effect at Levington.

Lorries were directed by police and Highways Agency officials to leave the A14 and A12 at Seven Hills and park up on the old A45.

Tickets were being issued for when the port re-opens.

Usually, the system is required for high winds and port officials hoped that once temperatures start to rise, cranes can be de-iced quickly and the situation return to normal.