French police have temporarily suspended extra EU border checks at the Port of Dover as thousands of holidaymakers faced delays of over two hours in hot weather. The port described Saturday as the 'first peak period' since the EU's new entry-exit system (EES) became fully operational last month.
The EES replaces passport stamps with digital registration. The port said it was pleased that Police Aux Frontières had invoked an article 9 clause of EES regulations, 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 stated.
Images showed long queues of cars at the terminal, a popular route for British tourists during the half-term school holidays. The port advised drivers to stay in their cars and treat staff with 'kindness and respect', adding that missed ferries would be accommodated on the next available crossing.
EasyJet has called on EU countries, particularly Spain, to drop the new rules, with CEO Kenton Jarvis saying additional checks would 'put holidaymakers off' travelling. The European Commission said the system is designed to make borders more secure and efficient against irregular migration.
The UK experienced its hottest day of the year so far, with 30.5°C recorded in Kent. Temperatures are forecast to rise further over the bank holiday weekend, potentially reaching 33°C, with amber heat health alerts issued for parts of England.
