QUAYSIDE operations were disrupted at Britain’s biggest container port this afternoon as the coast was battered by strong winds.

Staff at the Port of Felixstowe said gusts of more than 45mph meant that operational limits had been exceeded and it was not safe to run the high-rise quayside cranes used to load and unload ships.

“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.”

There was likely to be some delays to hauliers and truck drivers were asked to consider re-scheduling their arrivals.

The port recognised the potential problems earlier in the day and restricted the number of booking slots for lorries to try to prevent congestion and too many trucks turning up.

Around 350 lorries can be kept in holding areas on the port and others can park up in their yards. Operation Stack is not yet running.