Holidaymakers attempting to use the Port of Dover for their getaways this summer face traffic and disruption throughout the holiday period. Traffic is currently at a standstill on the approach to the port as holidaymakers and freight lorries descend in large numbers.
Authorities at the Port of Dover say they are expecting nearly 40,000 cars this weekend and more than 270,000 in the next six weeks. Doug Bannister, chief executive at the port said his organisation has been “preparing for a busy summer” and have brought in measures to “minimise disruption”. He said: “We know how vital it is to keep things moving, not just for holidaymakers but for our local community too.
“That’s why we’ve boosted staff levels, strengthened traffic management, added welfare facilities and introduced AI-powered forecasting – all to minimise disruption and ensure both residents and travellers have the best possible experience during this busy season.”
Today, the approach to the port saw large numbers of vehicles moving very slowly through Dover from the A20, and down Jubilee Way towards the port in Kent.
A spokesperson from the Port of Dover has said that the traffic into the port is currently causing delays of around an hour.
It comes as port authorities confirm severe delays at the site, with the boarding process for passengers currently taking around 60 minutes.
In an update shared on X, a spokesperson said: “The processing time is still 60 minutes.
“Irish Ferries traffic is still queuing, whereas P&O Ferries and DFDS are still free flowing.
“We wish all passengers a safe journey.”
This summer could be the last that passengers are able to use the port without having their fingerprints scanned and individually checked each time they visit the European Union.
From the autumn, new digital border checks for cross-Channel passengers will see all UK car passengers entering the Schengen area forced to exit their vehicle to be individually fingerprinted and photographed.
The automated IT system will be used to register non-EU nationals travelling for a short stay, each time they cross the borders of 29 European countries, including Spain, France, Greece and Italy.