HIGH winds were this afternoon affecting operations on the quaysides at Britain's biggest container terminal.

Richard Cornwell

HIGH winds were this afternoon affecting operations on the quaysides at Britain's biggest container terminal.

Officials at the Port of Felixstowe said windspeeds had exceeded 45mph - the limit at which it is safe to work unloading and loading boxes from the ships - and the quays had been closed off.

“As a result both rail and yard operations have been affected,” said a port spokesman.

“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.”

Operation Stack had not been brought into effect as yet but hauliers were advised to consider re-scheduling their arrivals.