Extra EU border checks suspended at Dover as travellers face delays in heat | Transport
French police have temporarily suspended extra EU border checks at the port of Dover as thousands of holidaymakers face long delays due to hot weather.
Waiting times of more than two hours have been reported at the terminal in Kent for the cross-Channel ferry to France.
The EU’s entry-exit system (EES), which replaces passport stamps with digital registration, became fully operational last month. The port of Dover said Saturday was the “first busy period” since the new procedures were introduced.
Describing the situation as “challenging”, the port shared on X: “We are pleased that the Police Aux Frontières (PAF) responded positively by applying article 9 of the EES regulations.” This allows the controls to be temporarily relaxed.
“Although traditional border checks will still be carried out, this will now allow the PAF to significantly reduce border processing time,” Liman added.
“We will work with PAF and all our partners to ensure customers get in and out of the port as quickly as possible and keep the roads open for our local community.”
Temperatures were expected to rise to 29 degrees in some parts of England on Saturday. Images from Dover showed long queues of cars at the congested terminal, which is the departure point for ferries to Calais in northern France, a popular route for British tourists, especially at the start of the half-term school holidays in England and Wales.
Passengers who missed the ferry crossing due to delays can travel on the next available crossing, the port said. It advised drivers to stay in their vehicles and treat staff “with courtesy and respect”, adding that “unacceptable behavior towards staff will not be tolerated”.
EasyJet has called on EU countries, particularly Spain, to scrap the new rules amid concerns holidaymakers could face long delays, while the company’s chief executive, Kenton Jarvis, said the additional checks “will have a significant impact”. [holidaymakers] off” travel.
Apart from Ireland and Cyprus, the EES is used by EU countries and other countries that are part of the Schengen free movement area, including Switzerland, Norway and Iceland.
Non-EU travelers and some transport providers have expressed concerns about the system, especially those in Britain, which left the EU in 2020 as part of Brexit.
The European Commission said the system was designed to make EU borders safer, more efficient and stronger against irregular migration.
Temperatures are expected to rise over the bank holiday weekend; Record-breaking May temperatures are expected to reach up to 33C (91F) in parts of the UK.
The Met Office has issued yellow heat health warnings, indicating a possible risk to life, as well as potential damage to property, significant travel delays and power cuts. For the East Midlands, West Midlands, east of England, London and the south-east they will be there until 5pm on Wednesday.
The UK is forecast to experience its hottest day ever in May over the long weekend, marginally exceeding the 32.8C recorded in parts of London, West Sussex and Kent on 29 May 1944.
