Huge queues at Dover as IT failure forces manual passport checks sparking delays for 1000s heading on Easter holidays

LONG queues were seen at the Port of Dover today as an IT failure forced manual passport checks.

Travellers were told to expect delays of up to 45 minutes just after 7am at the UK’s busiest international ferry port in Kent.

It was reported that there was an issue with the border processing systems on the French side.

The Dover Harbour Board said this has forced officials to check passports manually.

The port added that it was working with “French colleagues” to solve the problem.

A statement on X read: “TrafficUpdate at #PortofDover at 7am. There is currently a 25 minute wait at border control.

“Passport checks are taking place manually due to an issue with border processing systems across France. Thanks for your patience.”

An update said: “There is currently a 45 minute delay through French Border Control due to French IT system failure.

“The Port of Dover are working with our French colleagues to process all passengers as quickly as possible.”

It comes as National Highways has deployed traffic management system Operation Brock in Kent ahead of the Easter getaway period.

The scheme involves narrow lanes and a reduced 50mph speed limit.

It is designed to manage traffic flows on the M20 motorway in the event of delays at Channel ports, which are seeing high demand from holidaymakers.

Operation Brock is in place on a 13-mile stretch of the motorway between Junction 8 for Maidstone and Junction 9 for Ashford.

Lorries heading for the Port of Dover or Eurotunnel are being directed to follow signs to join a specific lane at Junction 8.

All other traffic for the coast crosses over to enter the contraflow on the London-bound carriageway.

Around 19.1 million people are expected to hit the road on Good Friday alone.

Getty

Long queues of travellers at French border control before boarding ferries from the Port of Dover (stock)[/caption]