Junction improvements at Dover’s York Street have been postponed until the autumn.

Work to replace the roundabout with traffic lights was meant to start in April this year, but the Port of Dover and Dover District Council decided to put it back to allow for further road assessments.

Part of the delay comes from the government, which has imposed exit checks for every passenger leaving the UK through international gateways from April 1, 2015.

The authorities considered starting the new enforcements and the roadworks at the same time, but decided against it.

Port chief executive Tim Waggott said: “We are delighted that Dover District Council has accepted our proposal that the commencement of A20 junction works is postponed while we review the wider needs case for our shared vision for Dover.”

A statement released by the port said that the large volumes of traffic need to be “fully understood” so that Dover receives the right long-term solution.

District council leader Cllr Paul Watkins said: “We are pleased to see all agencies working together to achieve solutions in response to the current pressures on the road network.

“This matter was raised again last week during Prime Minister’s Questions.

“Any solutions need to be sustainable to both improve management of traffic to and from the port, and to meet the day-to-day needs of town traffic.

“Local businesses, residents and visitors need to be assured that these matters are addressed once and for all.

“To this end, we have agreed the A20 junction works should be postponed until the autumn and the outcome of the review ordered by the roads minister, and further assessments are carried out.”