MOTORISTS have been warned to expect further rush hour delays tomorrow after a protest this morning led to drivers abandoning their vehicles.

Commuters were caught in hours of delays on the A66 and Tees Dock Road area in Middlesbrough this morning after around 60 protesters halted traffic.

The demonstration was linked to working conditions and the use of foreign labour at MGT Power, a renewable energy plant under construction at Teesport.

But police have warned this morning's protest might not be a one off, and have urged drivers to avoid the area tomorrow morning.

A spokesperson for Cleveland Police said: "This morning’s protest caused lengthy tailbacks and disruption for many motorists for a number of reasons including limited notification of the protest, the large number of protestors and the duration of the protest.

"Police are given limited, if any, forewarning by the protestors of their plans to hold industrial action or any detail around the number people attending or the duration of the protest, which makes resourcing and planning difficult.

"However, there is an indication that a protest may be held in the same area tomorrow morning (Friday, February 23).  Police have a duty to facilitate a peaceful protest, and will be liaising with the protestors at the scene to alleviate as far as possible any disruption or delay.

"Officers aim to maintain the safety of the public and those engaged in the protest, those going about their daily business, the local traffic network and the wider community of Redcar and Cleveland.

"Police would ask motorists to use alternative routes where possible unless heading directly to Tees Dock Road and avoid the area to assist them in managing the traffic flow and minimising disruption."

The A66 eastbound between Normanby Road and Tees Dock was completely blocked, and there were also delays on surrounding routes during this morning’s protest.

At one point, Bus operator Stagecoach were unable to operate any of their services, forcing parents to find alternative arrangements to get their children to school.

A statement issued on behalf of MGT Teesside said: “Work will occasionally be carried out on site that requires skills and experience unavailable in Teesside, but there is no competitive or financial advantage in hiring non-local labour.

“We have financed the Training and Employment Hub in Grangetown to help maximise employment opportunities for local people that supports 112 jobs.

“Overall, it has helped more than 500 people find work since it was established last year.

“We are in dialogue with representatives of the protestors and are working with the council and police to minimise the disruption caused to the remainder of our workforce, other Teesport-based businesses and local residents.”