French authorities suspended new European Union border checks at the Port of Dover on Saturday after holidaymakers heading to the cross-Channel ferry terminal faced severe hours-long queues.
The Port of Dover stated that the suspension followed its escalation of the challenging situation with border authorities.
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Officials noted that the decision would help clear the gridlock and reduce heavy congestion on surrounding roads, directing traffic leaving the port onto the A2.
New EU Border Checks Cause Delays
The May bank holiday weekend serves as a major test for the new EU border checks.
Although French officials had not yet activated the automated machines designed to capture fingerprints and photographs under the upcoming Entry/Exit System (EES), border staff were required to manually create traveller profiles linked to the new system, significantly lengthening processing times.
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Travel conditions were further complicated as temperatures soared across the United Kingdom.
The ongoing delays coincide with forecasts for an unusually hot holiday weekend, following the warmest day of the year on Friday when temperatures reached 28.4 degrees Celsius at Heathrow, Cranwell, and Cambridge.
Amber heat health alerts remain active for parts of England as daytime highs are projected to hit the upper 20s Celsius over the weekend, with low 30s Celsius expected in the week ahead.
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The Port of Dover confirmed that passengers who miss scheduled ferry crossings due to the border wait times will be permitted to travel on the next available departure.
