With departing UK holidaymakers flocking to Dover to catch ferries to France as most schools start their summer holidays, huge queues built up on approach roads to the port.

The port authorities declared a ‘critical incident’ in the ace of waits of up to six hours, which were blamed on ‘woefully inadequate, French border checks.

The Port of Dover said: “We are deeply frustrated that the resource at the French border overnight and early this morning has been woefully inadequate to meet our predicted demand and even more deeply regret the consequences that will now be felt by so many.
“We know that resource is finite, but the popularity of Dover is not a surprise. Regrettably, the Police Aux Frontières (PAF) resource has been insufficient and has fallen far short of what is required to ensure a smooth first weekend of the peak summer getaway period.”

On a previous occasion the port authority said that post-Brexit paperwork and passport controls were a delaying factor.

P&O Ferries warned passengers: “There is heavy traffic at border control in the port of Dover. If you are booked to travel today please allow at least six hours to clear all security checks.”

FILE PHOTO: Port of Dover Reuters