Tourists driving to the Continent from Europe will be in chaos at Dover unless a compromise is made with the European Union regarding new rules for border crossings that are coming into effect this year.
This warning was issued by the Port of Dover boss, who advised ministers to negotiate with Brussels in order to reduce the intrusion of checks.
Doug Bannister warned that there could be a significant tailback for both tourists and hauliers once the rules are in effect.
The new system requires biometric verification. This would require every passenger in a car or lorry to get out of their vehicle. It would also mean that border crossings will take longer and cause long queues.
Tourists traveling to the Continent by car can get their passports stamped through their window.
The Port of Dover, Kent: Lorries queue up for January 18th 2022
New infrastructure is also required to handle Dover’s new checks.
However, the European Union still has to clarify the policy’s details, also known as “entry-exit” system, and how many checks will be required.
There is no technology that can scan each passenger’s face, passport or biometric information while they are still in the vehicle.
Mail correspondent Mr Bannister said: “We have nine months in which to devise a process to identify, implement and regulate technology. We can also invest in any infrastructure that is necessary.
“It takes a short time to accomplish that.”
“It might be possible, but the key is for the UK to speak directly with French counterparts as well as other European Union members to discuss how to solve this problem.
He stated that if there wasn’t a solution we might end up with significant waits both for tourists and freight.
“There is no way to solve this problem, there’s no method, and nothing has been created for people who are driving through busy ferry terminals at night. You don’t have it. The solution must be identified. Next, the technology needs to be reviewed and the processes discussed. Finally, it will take time before we can implement the solutions. It feels like September is very close to all of that.
On January 11, 2022, there were queues of Lorries at the Port of Dover entrance in Kent
“Given this port’s constant movement and the high traffic, it’s dangerous for people to get out of their cars because of its dangers.
The issue would also affect the Eurotunnel and other cross-Channel ferry ports, he said.
Before the Pandemic, many millions of people traveled to Europe every year on business or holiday trips.
The Port of Dover alone also processes around £144 billion of freight every year.
Motor industry is highly dependent on smooth supply chain and disruptions could cause problems. This would jeopardize the post-Brexit image for ‘Global Britain.
The Department of Transport previously stated that the Government would ‘work constructively to minimize checks at the border.
French authorities are responsible for implementing the new checks in practice, though they have to follow EU law.
Doug Bannister from Port of Dover (photo with Boris Johnson during his July 2019 visit) has warned of possible’significant tailbacks’ for hauliers and tourists.
Airports already provide passport e-gates for biometric screening of individual passengers and will be able to comply with the rules.
This will not be an issue in ports that travellers crossed the Channel by vehicles. It would require passengers to get out of their cars or lorries, so they can process each one.
Bannister indicated that the EU still doesn’t have a clear understanding of how intrusive these checks must be.
Relations between France and Britain have become strained over the past months. Emmanuel Macron, the French president, was accused of being’spiteful,’ having banned British tourists from visiting France because of high levels of Omicron coronavirus variants in the UK. The ban has been lifted since then.
Flare-ups have been reported regarding post-Brexit fishing licenses, Aukus security deals and migration channel crossings.
Asked if France could use the new checks to punish Britain, Mr Bannister said: ‘We do over £140billion-worth of trade through this gateway.
This is a billion-and-a-half dollars in a week. This focuses the attention and takes money from British companies and British customers. If a solution isn’t found, this is how the extent of the problem.
It will attract attention as people will be shouting about it.
According to a Government spokesperson, the UK continues to work with its European counterparts at operational levels and in particular where we use juxtaposed control to make sure our respective border arrangements are effective and interoperable.