Dover Port Slows to a Crawl After French Border IT Meltdown
Christmas chaos hit Dover Port this morning as a French border IT glitch sparked massive traffic jams. Hundreds of cars were trapped in bumper-to-bumper queues, with frantic families missing their ferries amid the festive gridlock.
Delays stretched over an hour as thousands tried to make their Christmas getaways. Doug Bannister, CEO of the Port of Dover, confirmed: “The Border started to experience IT issues prior to peak traffic this morning. Some problems are ongoing, causing longer wait times as traffic is processed.”
Bannister urged calm: “Please don’t arrive more than two hours before your sailing and be patient while partner agencies fix the glitches.” He also asked drivers to stick to main routes like the A20 and A2 to keep local roads clear for last-minute shoppers in Dover.
Missed your ferry? Bannister reassured: “Your ferry operator will place you on the next available crossing.”
Outraged Travellers Warn: Avoid Dover if You Can
Frustrated motorists took to social media to vent their fury. One driver said: “Horrible experience at Dover this morning. Absolute chaos. Traffic at a standstill for an hour. Just missed our boat. Kids in the car. Don’t travel via Dover Port if you can avoid it.”
Another added: “What a mess getting to Dover this week — three serious accidents disrupting Operation Brock and now this IT meltdown.”
The Port of Dover later confirmed the IT issue was fixed, but warned delays will continue all day as the Christmas travel peak piles on the pressure.
UK Prepares for Record-Breaking Christmas Traffic
Dover isn’t alone in the festive jam. UK roads and airports face their busiest Christmas ever, warns traffic giant TomTom. They predict “severe” congestion today as last-minute shoppers and holidaymakers flood the streets.
Last year, Edinburgh topped the charts for congestion, with journeys taking up to 50% longer, especially midday to afternoon. London, Manchester, Birmingham, and Sheffield also suffered heavy jams.
TomTom expert Andy Marchant said: “This Christmas Super Saturday will trigger a surge in traffic. Expect peak jams between midday and early evening as shoppers and travellers head out.”
The RAC backs this, forecasting a record-breaking 37.5 million leisure car journeys from midweek through Christmas Eve — including a whopping 4.2 million on Christmas Eve itself.
Airport Crowds and Rail Disruptions Add to Festive Mayhem
UK airports are bursting at the seams. Heathrow alone expects over seven million passengers this December. Holiday bookings for winter sun and Christmas markets from Spain to Poland are soaring.
Network Rail warns of major post-Christmas disruption. Key routes, including the West Coast Main Line, face engineering works causing closures and limited trains until mid-January. While 95% of rail routes stay open, Christmas Day will see a full shutdown with only minimal services on Boxing Day.
Worst Times to Travel by Car This Christmas
- Friday, December 19: 3pm to 7pm
- Saturday, December 20: 12pm to 7pm
- Sunday, December 21: 10am to 7pm
- Monday, December 22: 10am to 5pm
- Tuesday, December 23: 11am to 5pm
- Wednesday, December 24: 1pm to 7pm
