Port of Dover braces for summer congestion as EU EES system stays inactive

The Port of Dover has invested £40 million in a new Western Docks facility equipped with 84 biometric kiosks for the EU Entry Exit System (EES), but the French authorities have not activated the technology, leaving the kiosks unused.

The port declared a "critical incident" in May half‑term when waiting times reached four‑and‑a‑half hours for around 8,500 outbound vehicles. CEO Doug Bannister said the port has "absolutely everything" in place but warned of "repeated episodes of severe congestion" this summer unless greater flexibility is granted for EES checks.

Outbound traffic is expected to rise to 7,500‑10,500 cars on the July holidays. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has met French counterpart Philippe Tabarot to seek a pragmatic approach, and the Department for Transport announced an additional £20 million for Kent infrastructure on top of a previous £10.5 million investment. The Road Haulage Association cautioned that delays could disrupt just‑in‑time supply chains for hauliers and coach operators.