DRIVERS queuing for their beloved Big Macs and fries have caused such long traffic jams that police have been forced to intervene.

Dorset Police has received complaints about traffic issues in Christchurch following the reopening of McDonald’s in Somerford Road.

There have also been reports of difficulties in Alder Hills in Poole and at Burley services on the A31.

A spokesman for Dorset Police said: “Dorset Police has received a number of reports relating to traffic issues caused by queues for the McDonald’s branch in Somerford Road in Christchurch.

“Local officers have been made aware of the situation and are liaising with the branch to try and ensure an appropriate traffic management system is in place.”

Drive-thru services reopened at a number of the fast food chain’s Dorset branches last week including Mannings Heath, Wessex Gate Retail Park and Alder Road in Poole, as well as Somerford Road, Christchurch, and Ringwood Road, Ferndown,

On the first day of opening staff from the McDonald’s in Alder Hill, Poole, were marshalling customers in a bid to prevent queues getting too long.

Their aim was to prevent problems for other businesses in the area but one business owner told the Daily Echo it was unsuccessful.

He said: “I have a business in Sharp Road near to McDonald’s and I have been forced to close because my customers can’t get to me.”

The man, who did not want to be named, added: “A few of us are going to speak to the police and the council to see if they can do anything to help us because it is bad for our businesses.”

Queues at Burley in Hampshire have spilled out on to the A31 dual carriageway, causing potentially dangerous obstructions to vehicles travelling at speed.

McDonald’s branches have been closed since the start of lockdown and the gradual re-opening has seen long queues forming across the country with customers prepared to wait hours for their favourite fast food.

Outlets are offering a limited menu and customers have been warned that service will “not be as quick as you might be used to.”

Customers have also been warned to be patient and to be supportive to staff during the busy period.