The Port of Dover has attacked the French authorities for “woefully inadequate” border control staffing which is ruining the summer getaway for thousands of families. A “critical incident” has been declared by the Kent port due to six-hour queues, with tourists urged to consider staying away.
It is one of the busiest periods for foreign travel from the UK as most schools in England and Wales break up for summer this week. Passengers embarking on cross-Channel sailings from Dover must pass through French border checks before they can board a ferry.
The port said in a statement that it has increased the number of border control booths by 50% and shared traffic volume forecasts “in granular detail” with the French authorities. It went on: “Regrettably, the PAF (police aux frontieres) resource has been insufficient and has fallen far short of what is required to ensure a smooth first weekend of the peak summer getaway period.”
Port chief executive Doug Bannister said: “We’ve got a critical incident under way.”
He told BBC Radio Kent: “We’ve been badly let down this morning by the French border. Insufficient resources and much slower than then even normal transactions, which is leading to significant congestion around the port this morning.”
He said it will be “a very difficult day” and the situation has been “escalated to the highest levels in our government”.
He added: “I would consider holding off heading for the port at this point in time until more is known. It is really difficult to get into town this morning.”
Delays at Dover are causing tourist and freight traffic to be stuck on gridlocked roads in the area.
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One Twitter user wrote shortly before 7am: “I’m booked onto 8am ferry from Dover and it’s total gridlock. Moved 50 metres per hour. At this rate it’ll be 34 hours before I get to the port!
“I have a screaming toddler and three-month-old.”
Another said they have been “waiting five hours and still not in the port”, adding: “Sat in lanes waiting to get to border control. Zero movement.”
Ferry operator P&O Ferries told passengers: “Please be aware that there is heavy traffic at border control in the port of Dover.
“If you are booked to travel today please allow at least six hours to clear all security checks.” Passengers are advised to take additional water and snacks.