Britons to expect two-hour delays at Port of Dover amid new French border rules
Drivers urged to not turn up to crossing more than two hours beforehand
PA
Drivers heading to the Port of Dover this summer have been warned to expect delays of up to two hours.
The busier than usual period means that border control officers will be taking extra caution on the crossing between the UK and France.
The Port of Dover said it expects to experience a “demanding summer period” as the UK holiday weeks commence.
To help manage delays, the port introduced a new freight permit system along Operation Brock the contraflow system on the surrounding Kent roads.
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Delays expected due to more drivers heading to Paris for Olympics
GETTYDoug Bannister, chief executive for thePort of Dover, said: “Summer Getaways are always exceptionally busy periods for airports and ports alike as families set off on their holidays.
“Much like at airports, where processing time can be around two hours, the Port of Dover will see processing times that mirror this as we at the popular port of choice, with a quick route to the continent.”
As well as expecting more tourist traffic, Bannister explained that the port has the “added challenge” of having to implement infrastructure works required by France and the EU to support the new Entry / Exit system which goes live in October.
On arrival at the port this summer, customers will have to adhere to strict Buffer Zones, while they wait for French border clearance.
Meanwhile, drivers heading to Paris for the Olympics will also increase the business of the port.
Bannister advises drivers to not arrive any earlier than two hours before the crossing time, the same as if planning on flying from a UK airport.
The port expects processing times to be up to two hours during the peak hours of 6am to 1pm on Fridays, through to Sundays every weekend of the summer holiday.
He added: “We anticipate some busy times ahead this Summer and are undoubtedly appreciative of their patience and support whilst we get them on the way to their holiday.”
The Port of Dover has also recently invested in new artificial technology which can predict future traffic in 15-minute intervals, two weeks in advance.
Toby Mills, CEO of the AI platform Entropy explained that the platform can predict traffic at different parts of the strategic road network as well as more random events such as incidents and road works in “real-time”.
Offering advice to families and drivers using the crossing this summer, Bannister urged them to allow plenty of time for the journey, but to not arrive more than hours hours before allotted sailing.
The site detailed: “If you do experience any issues, rest assured, you will be placed on the next available sailing, at no extra cost.
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Port of Dover to be busier than usual during summer period
PA“Please do not turn up at the port without a booking. Ensure you have sufficient food, snacks and entertainment with you to provide a comfortable journey for your family.”
Travellers should also have passports open and ready before border controls to ensure the quickest possible transit and reduce the waiting time for other vehicles.