Key Takeaways:
- Ferry passengers traveling from Dover face delays of up to one hour due to IT issues with French border controls
- The Port of Dover estimates nearly 30,000 cars will board for outward journeys during the festive period, with traffic peaking between 6am and 1pm from Friday to Sunday
- Passengers are advised not to arrive more than two hours before their ferry leaves and to remain on main roads to the port, keeping local roads clear for the community
- The Christmas getaway is forecast to be the busiest on record for Dover crossings and the UK as a whole
- Passengers who miss their scheduled sailing due to wait times will be placed on the next available crossing by their ferry operator
Introduction to the Delays
The festive season is upon us, and with it comes the usual chaos of holiday travel. For those planning to travel from Dover, the news is not good, as ferry passengers are facing delays of up to one hour due to IT issues with French border controls. The problems began before the peak traffic arrival on Saturday morning, and despite efforts to resolve the issue, delays were still being experienced at 12.02pm. The Port of Dover Travel took to social media to warn passengers of the ongoing issues, advising them not to arrive more than two hours before their ferry leaves.
The Impact on Travelers
The IT issues are having a significant impact on travelers, with the Port of Dover estimating that nearly 30,000 cars will board for outward journeys during the festive period. Traffic is expected to peak between 6am and 1pm from Friday to Sunday, making it a challenging time for those trying to get away for Christmas. P&O Ferries, which operates some of the ships from the port, reported large queues on the approach roads and in the buffer area. However, the company assured passengers that once through the initial delays, they would face a smooth journey with no check-in delays.
Advice for Travelers
In light of the delays, the Port of Dover is urging passengers to plan ahead and allow extra time for their journey. The organization is also asking that all port-bound traffic remain on the main roads to the port, the A20 and A2, and keep the local roads clear for the community. This will help to reduce congestion and minimize the impact of the delays on local residents. Simon Jones, an AA expert patrol, echoed this advice, saying, "It’s beginning to look a lot like traffic. Our advice is simple: plan ahead, check your route and allow extra time. Patience will be your best present this year."
The Bigger Picture
The delays at Dover are part of a larger trend, with the Christmas getaway forecast to be the busiest on record for Dover crossings and the UK as a whole. This is likely to put a strain on the transport network, with roads and public transport expected to be busy. However, with some planning and preparation, travelers can minimize the impact of the delays and ensure a smooth journey. The Port of Dover and ferry operators are working to resolve the issues and get passengers on their way as quickly as possible. In the event that passengers do miss their scheduled sailing due to wait times, their ferry operator will place them on the next available crossing, providing some reassurance for those affected by the delays.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the IT issues with French border controls at Dover are causing significant delays for ferry passengers, with wait times of up to one hour. However, with some planning and preparation, travelers can minimize the impact of these delays and ensure a smooth journey. The Port of Dover and ferry operators are working to resolve the issues, and passengers who miss their scheduled sailing will be placed on the next available crossing. As the Christmas getaway is forecast to be the busiest on record, it is essential for travelers to be patient, plan ahead, and allow extra time for their journey. By doing so, they can ensure a stress-free and enjoyable trip, despite the challenges posed by the delays.
