Port of Dover boss promises smoother weekend for France travellers
Holidaymakers face another weekend of stifling delays at the port of Dover as queues have already formed for ferries.
Operator DFDS tweeted that the wait for passport checks by French officials is “up to 90 minutes”.
The company told passengers: “Unfortunately due to high volumes of traffic there are queues at border controls.
“Once you arrive at check-in we will get you away as quick as we can.”
Last weekend, thousands of travellers were delayed for over 12 hours as they waited for border processing.
The delays were blamed on French border officials carrying out extra checks and stamping UK passports following Brexit.
Port officials said they held a “urgent review” with ferry operators and the French authorities in an attempt to avoid a repeat of last weekend’s delays.
The RAC is predicting that up to 17 million leisure trips by car will take place between Good Friday and Easter Monday.
Travel disruption rips through France as queues build at Dover port
As well as delays at the Port of Dover, a general strike in France in a row over pension reforms is causing further travel disruption.
Many flights to, from and over France have been grounded due to air traffic controllers joining the walkout.
British Airways axed at least 20 flights which would have used French airspace on Thursday.
Eurostar cancelled a train in both directions between London and Paris.
Meanwhile, drivers have been warned to expect long delays on popular routes over the coming days.
The RAC is predicting that up to 17 million leisure trips by car will take place between Good Friday and Easter Monday.
Major roads in south-west England and some in the Home Counties are likely to experience the worst congestion on Good Friday.
Queues are likely to be increased by engineering work on the railways, including the closure of London Euston station over the bank holiday weekend.
(PA)
Maryam Zakir-Hussain6 April 2023 12:25
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