UK Roads Brace for Chaos as 15 Million Drivers Hit the Streets
Get ready for gridlock! With around 15 million drivers expected on the roads this Saturday, Britain’s highways are set for their busiest day in ages.
Port of Dover Faces Fresh Delays Amid Heavy Traffic
Traffic jams have returned to the Port of Dover. On Thursday, ferry operator DFDS reported queues of about 90 minutes as the long weekend got underway. The delays stemmed from “high volumes of traffic,” but they eased by the afternoon with border checks flowing smoothly.
Dover’s nightmare isn’t new. Last month, the port suffered delays over 14 hours due to slow border processing post-Brexit and an unexpected surge in coaches. Now, to stay ahead of the chaos, the port has rolled out extra measures and warned travellers to expect “a few hours of waiting” during Friday’s peak hours.
Tip: Don’t rock up early or without reservations. Check with your ferry operator for live updates.
Travellers Beware: France Strikes and Airport Chaos Adding to Mayhem
Travelling to Europe could get even trickier. French pension reform strikes have grounded numerous flights, causing widespread cancellations. Air traffic controllers are leading the walkouts, grounding planes to, from, and over France.
Eurostar’s also been hit, cancelling two trains on Thursday due to crew shortages. Thankfully, services should return to normal on Friday.
Meanwhile, protesters have blocked a major road to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport’s main terminal, forcing frustrated passengers to hoof it to their flights.
Sunny Skies Won’t Save You from the Traffic
The good news? The weather’s looking favourable. Expect dry roads until Monday, so rain shouldn’t add to your travel woes.
But with millions on the move, patience will be the real winner this weekend.