As the peak summer season kicks off, the port of Dover is bracing for significant traffic congestion. With millions of Britons opting for domestic holidays, the port expects long queues due to new EU border controls. The semi-functioning entry-exit system (EES) could exacerbate delays, even though French authorities won’t fully implement biometric checks this summer.
Around 7,500 vehicles are anticipated to travel from Dover to France on Friday alone, with the number rising to 10,000 on Saturday. This surge in traffic coincides with the busiest weekend for leisure trips since the pandemic, as families choose staycations over international travel due to concerns about flight cancellations and border delays.
The RAC warns of potential breakdowns and traffic jams, particularly on the M25 and M3 routes, as over 14 million drivers hit the roads. With schools closing for summer, the demand for road trips is expected to peak this weekend, leading to a “Saturday summer scramble.”
Travel associations are advising holidaymakers to prepare for delays and to arrive at the port early. Meanwhile, airports like Heathrow are also gearing up for a busy travel period, with the EES formalities set to impact UK passengers flying into the Schengen area. This could lead to longer wait times at popular destinations, highlighting the ongoing challenges of post-Brexit travel.
Source: The Guardian
