The EU Entry/Exit System could see the Port of Dover and surrounding areas hit by major disruption unless measures are introduced to prevent delays, Parliament’s European Scrutiny Committee heard.
Ashford Borough Council told the committee that 14-hour queues were a “reasonable worst case” scenario if the scheme is implemented as planned in October.
The new measures will mean people entering the EU will have to register their fingerprints and a photograph alongside their passport.
Roads in Dover have seen multiple episodes of gridlocked traffic over the past few years, with post-Brexit checks adding to waiting times.
Tourist organisation Visit Kent voiced concerns that delays caused by the system could have a knock-on effect on local businesses, which has already been the case during previous periods of disruption.
Long queues could also block access for staff and tourists at Eurotunnel in Folkestone, it was said.
Eurostar warned that terminals could experience queues of more than an hour at peak times.
But Downing Street downplayed the likelihood of lengthy delays.
The PM’s official spokesman said: “I’m not aware of that being something that will happen.”
Sir Bill Cash, chairman of the European Scrutiny Committee, 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.”
