Fruit and vegetable processors face long queues at the Port of Dover amid a “critical incident” on Friday, while protests over fuel prices threaten to disrupt travel for thousands more. The port’s chief executive blamed the “woefully inadequate” staffing of French border control for the long queues. However, French police later said problems with traffic coming from Dover were caused by an “unexpected technical incident” under the Channel Tunnel. However, Eurtunnel operators said the problems at Dover started before the “minor” technical problem occurred. P&O Ferries told passengers to allow “at least six hours” to clear all security checks, while some lorry drivers said it was the “worst” disruption they had ever experienced at the port.
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It comes as a fuel price protest took place on the M5, with a slow-moving convoy of vehicles clearing the motorway within hours causing minimal disruption to traffic. Protest groups threatened to cause chaos at other venues throughout the day.
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Eurotunnel: The problems at the port started first
Eurotunnel claims the problems started at the port of Dover before a “minor technical incident” occurred in the tunnel. A spokesman told Sky News: “We had a minor technical incident this morning, but it happened AFTER the problems started at the port, so there is no way the traffic problems coming out of Dover were caused by an ‘unexpected technical incident under the Channel Tunnel. 1658505076
French police: “Technical incident” under the Channel Tunnel
French police said problems with traffic coming from Dover were caused by an “unexpected technical incident” under the Channel Tunnel. Police added that they will work closely with their British counterparts to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible over the coming days. The port of Dover, Britain’s main gateway to Europe, has accused French authorities of causing congestion as holidaymakers try to get away for their summer holidays. 1658498802
‘The Tories are holding the country back’: Labor attacks government over travel chaos
Nick Thomas-Symonds MP, Labour’s shadow international trade secretary, said: “Again under this government we are seeing our vital travel and trade links grind to a halt. “This is what happens when you have a government with no plan and no ideas on how to fix the country’s problems. The Tories are holding the country back and Britain desperately needs a fresh start.” 1658497513
Moto says it is “exploring contingency plans” to help drivers
Moto, the UK’s biggest motorway services company, said it was “exploring contingency plans” at some of its sites in south-east England amid ongoing travel disruption at the port of Dover. A spokesman said: “We are exploring contingency plans at our locations in Thurrock, Medway and Dover Port, including extending our trading hours so that those traveling in the area can take a break and assess the situation as it develops. “We are experienced in helping motorists deal with the traffic problems caused by delays in Dover. “As with any traffic issue we identify across the country, we will be monitoring the situation closely and ensuring our services can cope with the increased demand we may see.” 1658496426
AA issues traffic warning amid long port delays
The AA told motorists to be “prepared for delays well in advance of arriving at the terminal” at the port of Dover. Issuing a travel warning to drivers in southeast England, they said motorists should make sure they have enough fuel in the tank, as well as plenty of water and snacks. Jack Cousens, head of road policy for the AA, said: “With extremely long queues heading into Dover and Folkestone, it is incredibly important that drivers are prepared for delays long before they reach the terminal. “Making sure you have enough fuel in the tank, as well as plenty of water and snacks, will be key in trying to deal with traffic jams. Drivers should also monitor congestion via the AA app and stay in touch with their travel company to stay informed of any advice issued.’ It comes as port officials warned of delays of at least six hours earlier on Friday. Meanwhile, EuroShuttle in Folkstone is advising three hours of delays. Traffic disruption to other Channel ports appears minimal, according to AA Route Planner scans around midday on Friday. AA Route Planner began receiving reports of severe delays at 3.30am. and said it continues to monitor ports across the UK. The latest data from the AA Route Planner shows that Portsmouth and Newhaven ferry ports are operating quite smoothly. 1658495372
The protest at the Shell garage has ended, with a smaller protest taking place in another nearby forecourt
The protest at the Shell garage in Bridgwater has ended and reopened, Avon and Somerset Police said.
But a small protest at the nearby Esso garage in Bridgwater is now taking place. 1658494607
Buses are finally arriving for foot passengers
Foot passengers waiting at a Dover terminal pumped their fists in the air as port staff told them they were finally able to board buses for their ferry. Some had been waiting since 5am for the 9.15am departure and were finally able to board a bus to take them to a boat at around 1.35pm. Buses also arrived to transport passengers booked at 11.15am. and at 2 p.m. PA1658495137
Passengers were told to allow five hours before traveling
P&O Ferries said the Jubilee Way is “currently at a standstill”. It has warned passengers booked to travel today to allow five hours to clear approach roads and security checks. “Rest assured, if you miss your sailing, you will be the first available once at check-in,” P&O Ferries advised passengers. 1658493317
Port of Dover: Read the full statement
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Port of Dover: ‘inadequate’ capacity at French border
The Port of Dover urged the UK government to “continue to work with French counterparts” to “save adequate resources at the border” throughout the summer to “keep our community clean, get families on holiday and keep the basic trade moving’. In a statement it said: “The port is working to do everything it can with ferry operators and local partners to help clear queues caused by insufficient capacity at the French border. “Resources at the French border have increased this morning and traffic is slowly starting to move, but it will take some time to clear the backlog. “Passengers should come prepared with water, food and supplies and contact their chosen carrier for the latest information and advice. Passengers are also requested to avoid trying return routes to reach the port as this worsens the situation, especially for local residents. “Continued high holiday traffic volumes are fully expected and our freight customers also remain significantly backlogged, so we are urging our French colleagues to adequately supply the border, not only to alleviate the current situation, but for the rest of the weekend and indeed the rest of summer to keep our community clean, get families on holiday and keep essential trade moving. “The port urges the UK Government to continue to work with its French counterparts to ensure this happens.”
