Situation Update – 1000hrs Saturday 23rd July

The Port of Dover is relieved that French border staff (Police Aux Frontieres) have been fully mobilised at French border controls in Dover (known as ‘juxtaposed controls’) on Saturday morning in order to get holidaymakers and freight vehicles moving and to relieve the disruption on the Dover and wider Kent community.  There is of course a way to go to clear the backlog of waiting passengers, some of whom have had more extensive delays due to a serious incident yesterday on the M20.  Our thoughts are with those who were caught up in the incident, both directly and indirectly as a result of the additional disruption.  We will, together with our ferry operators, support the efforts of all partners to get people on their way as quickly as possible. 

Today is going to be very busy, with more UK tourists heading to Dover in order to travel to France.  Passengers should keep in touch with their ferry operators for the latest information on their sailings.

Doug Bannister, CEO, Port of Dover, said: “I welcome the commitment shown by both French and UK authorities to resolve the issue and thank the French border officials for the work that I hope they will now fulfil to keep the port system working as it should.

“It is vital that attention remains high and that all partners maintain the required staffing levels throughout the weekend, indeed the rest of the summer, so that we can begin to return to the positive experience we had planned for those going on their well-earned breaks.”

ENDS