IT issues clog Dover as the Christmas getaway peaks

Ferry passengers faced queues of up to an hour at the Port of Dover yesterday after French border controls were hit with IT issues as millions of motorists hit the roads in the Christmas getaway.

- ELLIE CRABBE

Before the peak traffic arrival yesterday morning, the border began experiencing issues with its technology, the Port of Dover said in a post on X (formerly Twitter), with some problems ongoing.

The port said it was working with partner agencies to resolve the issues, and urged passengers not to arrive more than two hours before their sailing.

The Port of Dover estimated nearly 30,000 cars will embark on outbound journeys during the festive period, with traffic peaking between 6am and 1pm from Friday to today for the predicted busiest Christmas getaway year on record.