Port of Dover works to avoid Entry Exit System summer travel chaos
The Port of Dover is bracing for potential summer travel delays as new EU biometric border checks remain unactivated. Despite a £40 million investment in new facilities, the technology is not yet in use, leading to concerns about congestion.
Why it matters
Infrastructure readiness is critical for managing cross-border travel and preventing economic disruption during peak holiday seasons.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, It is hoped the long queues and delays seen over the May bank holiday will not be repeated
The Port of Dover has done "absolutely everything" to prepare for the summer getaway amid fears of more delays from new EU border checks, its boss said.
Doug Bannister, chief executive of the Kent port, said it was "very disappointing" a new Entry Exit System (EES) processing facility – built as part of a £40m investment – was not being used for cars because the technology had not been activated.
EES, rolled out fully in April, involves passengers having their fingerprints registered and photograph taken to enter the Schengen Area.
The port declared a "critical incident" in May half-term after waiting times reached four-and-a-half hours on a day with about 8,500 outbound vehicles.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in