Holidaymakers embarking on trips to Europe through the Port of Dover are encountering significant delays, with queues stretching for miles and wait times reaching up to two hours. The surge in summer travel, combined with stringent border controls, has created a perfect storm for congestion at one of the UK's busiest transport hubs.
Summer Surge and Border Checks Cause Gridlock
The Port of Dover has warned travellers to brace for lengthy delays, particularly during peak hours, as the summer holiday season kicks into high gear. Increased traffic volumes, coupled with thorough post-Brexit border inspections by French officials, have slowed processing times to a crawl.
What’s Causing the Hold-Up?
- Post-Brexit Checks: Enhanced border controls mean each vehicle undergoes more rigorous scrutiny, adding minutes to processing times.
- Summer Rush: A spike in holiday travel has led to a higher volume of cars and coaches passing through the port.
- Operational Challenges: Limited staffing and infrastructure bottlenecks exacerbate the delays.
Advice for Travellers
Authorities are urging passengers to arrive early and allow extra time for their journeys. Those travelling by coach or car should prepare for extended waits and ensure they have sufficient supplies, such as water and snacks, to stay comfortable during the delay.
Meanwhile, ferry operators are working closely with border agencies to streamline checks, but the backlog is expected to persist throughout the busy summer period.
