Warning of cross-Channel delays at Dover and Folkestone during summer holidays
Published: 09:54, 21 July 2022
Updated: 16:36, 21 July 2022
Cross Channel passengers are being warned of road delays this morning ahead of the holiday rush.
And they are told to be prepared for hold-ups into the weekend.
Today is the last day of the school year, which usually means a time of high demand for travel.
Eurotunnel Le Shuttle, on its travel update website, says there are delays of two hours and 30 minutes for departures.
Dover TAP (Traffic Assessment Project) is in place today with the queue of lorries seen stretching back to the Court Wood roundabout near Capel-le-Ferne.
A tweet from Irish Ferries says: "Due to the busy summer period, we recommend that you have a confirmed reservation before arriving at the port."
A tweet from the Port of Dover Travel account said: "Due to delays at French border controls prior to check-in, please allow extra time for your journey.
"Please contact your ferry operator for information on check-in times. The Port of Dover and our partners are working hard to get you on your way."
A tweet from P&O Ferries Updates said: "There are major queues (approximately two hours) at border controls in Dover.
But it added: "Our check in is free flowing and all sailings are on time. Once you reach us, we'll get you on the first available sailing."
The DFDS Port Updated Twitter account said of the situation in Dover: "Please allow three hours to complete the check in process and border controls at the port. Upon arrival at check-in, we will accommodate you onto the next available sailing."
National Highways warn that the period up to the weekend is one of the busiest of the year for holiday makers and ports are likely to be extremely busy.
The Operation Brock contraflow is also in place on the M20 to aid the smooth flow of traffic through the region in the event of disruption to services across the English Channel.
All lorries heading for the Port of Dover or Eurotunnel must follow the signs to join Operation Brock at Junction 8.
All other coastbound traffic, including local freight and car drivers headed for the continent, should follow the signs and cross over to enter the contraflow on the M20 Londonbound carriageway.
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Sam Lennon