- The Port of Dover has completed its £40 million border processing area.
- Funding of £3.5 million supported technology at each of three sites.
- The Westminster government pledged a total of £10.5 million to help smooth the Entry Exit System transition at three border checkpoints.
- A report by the BBC this week confirmed the site is ready but cannot open until French authorities switch on the technology.
- The news comes after French authorities suspended Entry Exit System checks at the port over the Spring Bank Holiday weekend.
The Wesminster government has pledged funding to support the Entry/Exit System transition at key border locations. Construction of the new £40 million border processing area at the Port of Dover on reclaimed land has reached completion with 84 kiosks installed for fingerprint and photograph recording. French authorities have not yet activated the technology required for the kiosks to operate.
Port of Dover CEO Doug Bannister told the BBC that t£10.5 million total funding in August 2024 supported installations at the Port of Dover, Eurotunnel at Folkestone, and Eurostar at St Pancras International with each site receiving £3.5 million. French authorities suspended EES checks at the port over the spring bank holiday weekend due to queues that exceeded four hours.
Concerns have grown with only a few weeks until schools break up for the summer. The Westminster government has advised that checks may take slightly longer than previously so travellers should prepare to wait during busy times. easyJet has stated that the airline may not wait for delayed passengers even if the wait exceeds usual times and recommends arrival with plenty of time.
Doug Bannister shared “the latest indications were that the new area would most probably not be available for the summer season.”
