Giant lines and traffic jams form as McDonald's reopens hundreds of drive-thru locations in the UK and Ireland

• McDonald's reopened nearly 500 of its drive-thru locations in the UK and Ireland on Wednesday.
• The reopenings attracted a huge number of customers who formed giant lines outside restaurants, causing traffic jams in some places.
• The fast-food giant implemented new social-distancing measures and said that customers' spending capacity would be limited to $31 per order on a restricted menu.

McDonald's reopened nearly 500 of its drive-thru locations in the UK and Ireland on Wednesday attracting scores of customers that formed giant lines outside its restaurants, creating traffic jams in some places.

The chain previously said it would open 924 drive-thrus and 75 delivery restaurants by June 4. While some locations already reopened for deliveries mid-May, customers were able to visit many more locations on Wednesday.

McDonald's encouraged all customers to use contactless payment methods and put a spending cap of £25, or $31, on each order.

Here's a glimpse into the crowds that gathered outside McDonald's in the UK once the chain reopened:

While McDonald's said it was "glad to be back," it also requested customers have patience as operations would function differently from before, with additional protective measures.

The fast-food giant is operating at reduced hours with a scaled-back menu that does not include breakfast or shakes.

McDonald's said it aims to implement social distancing effectively by coordinating kitchen operations with fewer employees.

For those visiting drive-thru locations, the chain said it prefers visitors browse the menu and order ahead so preparations can begin before arrival.

Customers in the UK looking for an open McDonald's can check the website's restaurant locator.

43 of its restaurants also reopened for McDelivery on Wednesday.