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| Version 3 | Version 4 |
|---|---|
| Computer problem disrupts ferries | Computer problem disrupts ferries |
| (about 3 hours 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. |
| The problem led to a row between rival operators. SeaFrance said P&O staff could not handle a manual check-in. | The problem led to a row between rival operators. SeaFrance said P&O staff could not handle a manual check-in. |
| The computerised system was restored by 0930 BST, P&O said. | The computerised system was restored by 0930 BST, P&O said. |
| But sailings were running an hour late as a result of the earlier problems, P&O said. | But 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. | 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. | "Unfortunately, it was the first busy week of the school holidays. |
| "There is a lot of tourist traffic but not too much freight." | "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. | 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." |
| Traffic gridlock | Traffic gridlock |
| 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. |
| LD Lines and Norfolkline were also affected, as passengers struggled to reach the port because of traffic gridlock. | |
| P&O said the M20, A20 and A2 had been affected by traffic disruption, but it was hoped the situation would be back to normal by early afternoon. | P&O said the M20, A20 and A2 had been affected by traffic disruption, but it was hoped the situation would be back to normal by early afternoon. |
| The firm had seven large multi-purpose ferries on the Dover Calais route that could take about 120 lorries and which would hoover up the backlog of passengers, P&O added. | The firm had seven large multi-purpose ferries on the Dover Calais route that could take about 120 lorries and which would hoover up the backlog of passengers, P&O added. |