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French police: ‘Technical accident’ under Channel Tunnel
French police said the traffic problems coming from Dover were caused by an “unexpected technical incident” under the Channel Tunnel. Police added that they will be working closely with their British counterparts to ensure the smoothest possible traffic in the coming days.
The Port of Dover, Britain’s main gateway to Europe, has accused French authorities of causing difficulties as holidaymakers seek to escape for their summer holidays.
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‘The Tories are holding the country back’: Labor attacks government over travel chaos
Nick Thomas-Symonds MP, Labour’s shadow international trade secretary, said: “Once again under this government’s watch we see 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 solve the country’s problems. The Tories are holding the country back and Britain desperately needs a fresh start.
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Moto says it is “exploring contingency plans” to help drivers
Moto, the UK’s biggest operator of highway services, 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 sites in Thurrock, Medway and Dover Port, including extending our opening hours so that those traveling to the area can rest and assess the situation as it develops.
“We are well versed in helping motorists with the traffic problems caused by the delays in Dover.
“As with all traffic issues we see across the country, we will be monitoring the situation closely and ensuring our services can cope with the increased demand we may see.”
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AA issues traffic warning amid long port delays
The AA told motorists to be “prepared for delays long before they reach the terminal” at the port of Dover.
Issuing a travel warning to drivers in south-east 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 at the AA, said: “With extremely long queues at Dover and Folkestone, it is vital 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 keep in touch with their travel company to keep up to date with any advice issued.’
It comes after port officials warned of delays of at least six hours earlier on Friday.
Meanwhile, EuroShuttle in Folkestone is warning of three hours of delays.
Disruption to traffic at other Channel ports appeared to be minimal, according to AA Route Planner scans around midday on Friday.
AA Route Planner began receiving reports of serious delays at 3.30am and said it was continuing to monitor UK ports.
The latest figures from the AA Route Planner show that Portsmouth and Newhaven ferry ports are operating relatively smoothly.
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The protest at the Shell garage ended with a small protest taking place in another nearby forecourt
The protest at the Shell garage in Bridgwater has ended and reopened, Avon and Somerset Police said.
However, a small protest is now taking place at a nearby Esso garage in Bridgwater.
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Buses finally arrive for pedestrians
Pedestrians waiting at a terminal in Dover gasped when port officials told them they could finally board buses to 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 around 1:35pm.
Buses have also arrived to transport passengers booked for ferries at 11.15 and 14.00.
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Passengers were told to wait five hours before travel
P&O Ferries said the Jubilee Way was “currently at a standstill”.
He warned passengers booked to travel today to allow five hours to clear approach roads and security checks.
“Rest assured that if you miss your sailing, you’ll be on the first available once you check in,” advise P&O Ferries passengers.
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Port of Dover: ‘Insufficient’ capacity at French border
The Port of Dover called on the UK government to “continue to work with French colleagues” to “adequately secure the border” throughout the summer to “keep our community clean, keep families on holiday and support essential trade”.
A statement said: “The port is working to do everything possible with ferry operators and local partners to help clear the queues caused by inadequate 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 check with their chosen ferry operator for the latest information and advice. Passengers are also asked to avoid trying reverse routes to reach the port as it worsens the situation, especially for local residents.
“The continued high holiday traffic volumes are fully expected and our freight customers also remain significantly delayed, so we are calling on our French colleagues to provide adequate resources at the border, not only to ease the current situation, but also for the rest of the weekend and indeed the rest of the summer to keep our community clean, give families a break and support essential trade.
“The port is calling on the UK Government to continue to work with French counterparts to ensure this is the case.”
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Pictured: People dragging suitcases to the cruise terminal
People have been forced to walk with their suitcases to the cruise terminal in Dover, Kent, as there are no taxis or buses due to traffic jams.
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