In response to anticipated delays caused by the EU’s new Entry/Exit System, more French border guards are being deployed at UK checkpoints. This move comes as the UK government seeks to mitigate the impact of technology failures that have plagued border crossings, particularly at busy travel hubs like the Port of Dover.
The Entry/Exit System requires biometric data from travellers, including fingerprints and facial scans, which has led to reports of multiple scans being taken at various points. This redundancy has contributed to significant delays, especially during peak holiday seasons. The UK Transport Secretary has negotiated for this increased French presence to ensure smoother processing for holidaymakers.
To further support this initiative, the UK government is investing £20 million to enhance passport control infrastructure, including new booths and tablets. This funding is in addition to previous investments aimed at reducing disruption at borders. The goal is to streamline the travel experience and alleviate the frustrations faced by holidaymakers during the busiest travel periods.
As the summer holidays approach, officials are keen to ensure that the travel experience is as seamless as possible, addressing both operational challenges and traveller concerns directly with EU authorities. This proactive approach aims to prevent the kind of delays that have marred previous travel seasons.
Source: LBC News
