The “legendary” town of Dover on the south coast of England may see its businesses “starved of footfall” as new EU rules threaten to wreak travel chaos.
MPs were told that tourists heading for the Port of Dover could face 14-hour waits and potentially even longer, thanks to an increase in the number of border checks under a new scheme.
When the EU Entry-Exit System is brought in there is likely to be lengthy delays and significant disruption to the surrounding area, unless delay prevention measures are put in place, Parliament’s European Scrutiny Committee heard.
Ashford Borough Council in Kent told the committee that 14-hour delays are a “reasonable worst case” scenario if the scheme is implemented as planned in October.
The new controls will mean people entering the EU will have to register their fingerprints and a photograph alongside their passport.
The Port of Dover and surrounding roads have seen multiple episodes of gridlocked traffic over the past few years. The latest round of backlogs threaten to scupper the trade of local businesses.
Chairman of the European Scrutiny Committee, Sir Bill Cash, said: “Queues of more than 14 hours, vehicles backed up along major roads, businesses starved of footfall: this evidence paints an alarming picture of the possible risks surrounding the Entry-Exit System’s implementation.
“Clearly, this policy could have a very serious impact, not only for tourists and travel operators but also for local businesses. I implore decision makers on both sides of the Channel to take note of this evidence.
“The scheme is due to be implemented in October this year; the clock is ticking, and these issues must be urgently addressed.”
Visitors to Dover regularly remark on the “stunning” views from the white cliffs of Dover, as well as the impressive site of the pristine rockface itself.
One tourist took to Tripadvisor, writing: “No visit to the area can be complete without a stop to gaze at the white cliffs.
“Legendary due in part to WWII and of course the proximity to France. Very attractive.”
Another said: “Beautiful walk along green hills and spectacular views of Dover and the channel. White cliffs stunning in the sun. Lovely to take the dog for a run.”
Meanwhile Downing Street has also commented on the risks of delays under the new rules.
A No 10 spokeswoman said: “On some of those scenarios, rightly we’re not going to get into hypotheticals about delays…. but there are tried and tested contingency plans in place and a lot of work is managed by the Kent resilience forum so we will make sure we’re prepared and our focus remains on ensuring the scheme does not unnecessarily impact local communities or resort in delays for travellers.
“We are working very closely as you would expect with the French, with all the port authorities to ensure that travellers and passengers do not experience unnecessarily delays, that work continues.”
