French police have temporarily suspended extra EU border checks at the Port of Dover as thousands of holidaymakers face long delays in hot weather. Waiting times of more than two hours were reported at the terminal in Kent for cross-Channel ferries to France.
The EU's entry-exit system (EES), which replaces passport stamps with digital registration, became fully operational last month. The port described Saturday as the 'first peak period' since the new procedures were introduced. The situation was described as 'challenging', but the port welcomed the decision by Police Aux Frontières to invoke an article 9 clause allowing checks to be temporarily relaxed.
'While conventional border checks will still be undertaken, this will now enable PAF to significantly reduce the border processing time,' the port said. It added that it would work with partners to get customers through as swiftly as possible and keep roads clear for the local community.
The UK recorded its hottest day of the year so far on Saturday, with a temperature of 30.5C in Kent. The Met Office has issued amber heat health alerts for parts of England, with temperatures forecast to rise throughout the bank holiday weekend, potentially reaching 33C.
The port advised passengers who missed their ferry due to delays that they could travel on the next available crossing. It urged drivers to stay in their cars and treat staff with 'kindness and respect', warning that unacceptable behaviour would not be tolerated.
