Port of Dover Warns of Massive Summer Delays
Holidaymakers heading through the Port of Dover this summer face delays of up to two-and-a-half hours. Brexit-hit French border checks have clogged the popular gateway, slashing processing speeds just as schools in England and Wales break up for the holidays.
New Booths and Tighter Checks to Ease Chaos
Port bosses have ramped up efforts to tackle the backlog. A new booth for French Police Aux Frontieres (PAF) officials will be ready before Friday to speed up passport checks. Plus, advanced traffic flow plans are now in place to manage the crush of cars heading to the port.
Coach Passengers Face Special Screening
To curb extreme delays, Dover is keeping its May half-term system for coach travellers. Advanced Passenger Information checks will now happen away from the main port during peak times, after some coach journeys were hit with 10-hour waits over Easter.
Arrive Early and Brace for Waits, Says Dover Chief
Chief Executive Doug Bannister urges car drivers to turn up three hours ahead of their sailings—up from the previous two hours. “Processing times average around 90 minutes but can stretch to two-and-a-half hours at peak,” he warned, especially on busy weekend summer days.
“We’ve done all we can to keep queues flowing. But expect some hold-ups during busy periods. Technical faults, road accidents or strikes could throw a spanner in the works,” Bannister added.
Travellers should plan extra travel time and stay updated on traffic news to avoid getting stuck. The port promises to keep the summer sailings running as smoothly as possible — but patience is essential this holiday season.
