Dover Christmas Nightmare French IT Failure Leaves Thousands
Christmas travel chaos hit Dover after an IT failure caused ferry delays, traffic gridlock and missed sailings as festive travel peaks across the UK.
Families faced a nightmare start to their Christmas getaway this morning as Dover Port was plunged into chaos. An IT meltdown at French border control caused huge delays, leaving hundreds of cars stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic. Many frustrated passengers missed their ferries amid the gridlock.
Doug Bannister, CEO of the Port of Dover, confirmed: “Prior to our peak traffic arrival this morning, the Border started to experience IT issues. Unfortunately, there are still some ongoing problems, which is causing increased wait times whilst traffic is being processed.”
He urged travellers: “Please don’t arrive more than two hours before your sailing and show patience while partner agencies work on resolving the glitches.” Bannister also asked drivers to stick to the main routes — the A20 and A2 — to keep local roads clear for Dover residents doing last-minute Christmas shopping.
If you miss your ferry, Bannister reassured customers that “your ferry operator will place you on the next available crossing.”
Frustrated Travellers Warn Others to Avoid Dover
One motorist stuck all morning vented on social media: “Horrible experience at Port of Dover this morning. Absolute chaos. Traffic at a standstill for an hour. Just missed our boat. Kids in the car. Don’t travel via Dover Port if you can avoid it.”
Another added: “What a mess getting to Dover has been this week — three serious accidents disrupting Operation Brock and now this IT meltdown.”
The Port of Dover later posted online that while the IT issue is fixed, delays will still hit all day. Christmas travel peak continues to pile on the pressure.
UK Braces for Record Seasonal Traffic
It’s not just Dover struggling. UK roads and airports are gearing up for the busiest festive travel period ever recorded. Mapping giant TomTom warns of “severe” traffic today as last-minute shoppers and holidaymakers flood the roads.
Last year, Edinburgh was the UK’s worst city for traffic, with journeys taking up to 50% longer than usual, especially from noon to 4pm. London, Manchester, Birmingham, and Sheffield also saw heavy congestion.
TomTom expert Andy Marchant said: “This Christmas super Saturday will spark a surge in traffic. Expect peak jams between midday and early evening as shoppers and travellers converge.”
RAC backed this up, forecasting a record 37.5 million leisure car journeys from midweek to Christmas Eve, with Christmas Eve itself expected to see 4.2 million trips.
Airport Crowds and Rail Disruptions Add to Festive Travel Woes
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UK airports are packed too. Heathrow expects over seven million passengers this month alone. Travel firms report a boom in winter sun and Christmas market holidays, from Spain to Poland to Germany.
Network Rail warns of major disruption after Christmas with key lines on the West Coast Main Line and others under engineering works, causing rail closures and reduced timetables until mid-January.
Despite this, 95% of UK rail routes will remain open, though Christmas Day will see a complete shutdown, with minimal services on Boxing Day.
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