The summer holiday rush is about to hit Dover, with thousands of travellers expected to pour through its gates in the coming weeks. But despite the Port of Dover's best efforts to prepare for the influx, concerns over new EU border checks are casting a shadow over the peak season.
A major sticking point is the non-activation of a £40 million EES processing facility at the Western Docks, which was specifically designed to handle peak volumes efficiently. The state-of-the-art facility, equipped with 84 kiosks for recording biometric details, remains unused due to French authorities' failure to switch on the technology.
Port chief executive Doug Bannister has expressed his disappointment at the situation, warning MPs that without greater flexibility in the EES process from the EU, the port faces "repeated episodes of severe congestion" this summer. The EES is also carried out at Eurotunnel's Folkestone terminal and London St Pancras International, which have juxtaposed border controls.
With schools breaking up for the summer holidays, traffic volumes are set to surge. The Port of Dover anticipates approximately 7,500 outbound cars on Friday, rising to nearly 10,000 on Saturday. Busier days are forecast for the end of next week, with around 10,500 outbound cars expected on both 24 and 25 July.
In response to the potential for delays, the port has installed new border positions in its ferry terminal since May, and French authorities have agreed to the port's requested resource levels. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander recently met with her French counterpart, Phillippe Tabarot, to advocate for a pragmatic approach to EES checks. The Department for Transport has also announced £20 million in new government funding to enhance infrastructure in Kent, aiming to alleviate delays.
Practical Advice for UK Travellers:
When travelling to the Schengen Area, including popular destinations like France, Spain, and Italy, UK citizens are now subject to the Entry Exit System (EES). This means that, in addition to existing passport controls, travellers will also need to undergo biometric checks, which can cause significant delays.
As a result, holidaymakers are advised to use only main roads when approaching the port and arrive no more than two hours before their scheduled sailing. It is also essential for travellers to ensure they have all necessary documentation, including a valid passport and any required visas, before embarking on their journey.
The Port of Dover has implemented various measures to help manage congestion, including extended opening hours and increased staffing levels. However, it remains unclear whether these efforts will be enough to mitigate the impact of the EES checks.