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Dover ferry passengers delayed by French security checks Dover ferry passengers delayed by French security checks
(35 minutes later)
Passengers are facing major delays at the Port of Dover due to increased French security checks. Passengers have faced major delays at the Port of Dover due to increased French security checks.
Ferry companies are advising travellers it is taking four hours to get through passport controls. Ferry companies had advised travellers it was taking four hours to get through passport controls.
Roads leading to the port in Kent are experiencing heavy traffic. Kent Police has advised motorists to expect "very, very long delays". Roads leading to the port in Kent are heavily congested. Motorists have described the traffic as "horrendous".
A port spokesman said heightened checks at the border and the high volume of traffic was behind the delays. The Port of Dover tweeted: "French officials have temporarily relaxed the checks and queues have started to move faster."
Kent Police said that motorists heading for the ports were advised to allow extra time for their journeys and to pack food and water. Kent Police had advised those travelling to the port to pack food and water.
There are no delays at the Channel Tunnel terminal but travellers have been told it will take 90 minutes to check in due to extra security procedures. There are no delays at the Channel Tunnel terminal but people have been told it will take 90 minutes to check in due to extra security procedures.
France has been under a state of emergency since last November.France has been under a state of emergency since last November.
It was brought in after terror attacks in Paris on 13 November left 130 people dead.It was brought in after terror attacks in Paris on 13 November left 130 people dead.
Highways England said there was severe traffic on the A2 and A20.Highways England said there was severe traffic on the A2 and A20.
'Horrendous' 'Uncomfortable'
The latter is closed eastbound between junction 13 of the M20 and the A260 at Folkestone for the safety of those queuing to enter the port, a statement said.The latter is closed eastbound between junction 13 of the M20 and the A260 at Folkestone for the safety of those queuing to enter the port, a statement said.
Renata Roslak said she and her husband left Birmingham at 19:00 BST on Friday and still had not reached the port.Renata Roslak said she and her husband left Birmingham at 19:00 BST on Friday and still had not reached the port.
She said: "It's absolutely horrendous. We have maybe moved half a mile in the last eight hours.She said: "It's absolutely horrendous. We have maybe moved half a mile in the last eight hours.
"There isn't even somewhere to turn around and head home."There isn't even somewhere to turn around and head home.
"I even phoned the police to find out what was happening - we were told that there weren't enough staff to cope with the extra security checks, so ferries are leaving but they aren't full.""I even phoned the police to find out what was happening - we were told that there weren't enough staff to cope with the extra security checks, so ferries are leaving but they aren't full."
Kris Mazur spent the night on the A20 and said he had moved about one mile in the last 10 hours. Kris Mazur spent the night on the A20 and said he had moved about one mile in 10 hours.
"People have just been standing around the edge of the road having picnics or sleeping in their cars. There has been no access to food or toilets. Motorway is still completely blocked now.""People have just been standing around the edge of the road having picnics or sleeping in their cars. There has been no access to food or toilets. Motorway is still completely blocked now."
Suzanne Holland said she had finally checked in for the 08:30 crossing - 12 hours after arriving in Dover.Suzanne Holland said she had finally checked in for the 08:30 crossing - 12 hours after arriving in Dover.
"Anyone would be uncomfortable for that time especially with no information. Had we known we would have tried to sleep," she said."Anyone would be uncomfortable for that time especially with no information. Had we known we would have tried to sleep," she said.
People have taken to social media to vent their frustrations, including residents caught up in the traffic chaos.People have taken to social media to vent their frustrations, including residents caught up in the traffic chaos.
One said on Twitter: "Late for work. Whole town of Dover is at a standstill. Been sat in my car for 3 hours with no movement."One said on Twitter: "Late for work. Whole town of Dover is at a standstill. Been sat in my car for 3 hours with no movement."
P&O Ferries said in a tweet: "Rest assured we'll get you on your way as soon as you pass the checks."P&O Ferries said in a tweet: "Rest assured we'll get you on your way as soon as you pass the checks."