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Computer problem disrupts ferries Computer problem disrupts ferries
(30 minutes later)
Problems with a ferry operator's computerised check-in system have led to traffic disruption and delays for cross-Channel travellers.Problems with a ferry operator's computerised check-in system have led to traffic disruption and delays for cross-Channel travellers.
The Port of Dover issued a warning to travellers saying the check-in system used by P&O had failed and there was a backlog of traffic.The Port of Dover issued a warning to travellers saying the check-in system used by P&O had failed and there was a backlog of traffic.
It said the technology issues had been rectified and work had begun to clear the backlog as quickly as possible. The problem led to a row between rival operators. SeaFrance said P&O staff could not handle a manual check-in.
Sailings were running an hour late as a result, P&O said. The computerised system was restored by 0930 BST, P&O said.
The system was out of action from 0730 BST to 0930 BST on Friday. Bu sailings were running an hour late as a result of the earlier problems, P&O said.
The system was out of action from 0730 BST on Friday.
'Always on strike''Always on strike'
A spokesman for P&O said: "Unfortunately the problems in Dover were caused by a glitch in our call-handling system, which is used to check in traffic and allocate lanes in the port." A spokesman for P&O said: "Unfortunately the problems in Dover were caused by a glitch in our call-handling system, which is used to check in traffic and allocate lanes in the port.
"Unfortunately, it was the first busy week of the school holidays. There is a lot of tourist traffic but not too much freight." "Unfortunately, it was the first busy week of the school holidays.
Earlier, the ferry operator SeaFrance said large queues of passengers for its services had formed as a result of the fault. "There is a lot of tourist traffic but not too much freight."
Earlier, SeaFrance said large queues of passengers for its services had formed as a result of the fault.
"Unfortunately [P&O's] staff are not trained to handle a manual check in," it said in a statement."Unfortunately [P&O's] staff are not trained to handle a manual check in," it said in a statement.
"Although SeaFrance is able to process traffic as normal, long queues into the port itself are preventing traffic booked with the operator from accessing its check-in booths.""Although SeaFrance is able to process traffic as normal, long queues into the port itself are preventing traffic booked with the operator from accessing its check-in booths."
The P&O spokesman responded: "From a company that never causes problems - their crews are always on strike and they have a history of causing mayhem in the channel - it's a bit cheeky to say the least." The P&O spokesman responded: "From a company that never causes problems - their crews are always on strike and they have a history of causing mayhem in the Channel - it's a bit cheeky to say the least."
The Port of Dover said: "We apologise to the travelling public for any delays and thank all customers of the port for their patience."The Port of Dover said: "We apologise to the travelling public for any delays and thank all customers of the port for their patience."
BBC travel reports showed crossings operated by SeaFrance and P&O had been affected.BBC travel reports showed crossings operated by SeaFrance and P&O had been affected.