Holidaymakers faced lengthy delays at Dover, some missing their ferry crossings due to disruptions caused by new EU passport controls. Thousands of passengers endured hours-long waits in their vehicles under hot conditions, impacting the start of their vacations.
The Port of Dover reported wait times of 150 to 180 minutes at the buffer zone by Friday afternoon, with significant congestion on surrounding roads. This delay was attributed to the implementation of the full EU Entry Exit System registration process by French authorities during the holiday period.
Acknowledging the inconvenience faced by passengers, the port assured affected travelers that operators would transfer them to the next available sailing at no extra cost. Port CEO Doug Bannister cautioned that Saturday would be even busier, urging travelers to arrive no more than two hours before their scheduled sailing to maintain smooth traffic flow.
Meanwhile, those staying home experienced a heatwave with temperatures exceeding 30°C in some regions over the weekend. National Rail issued warnings about potential disruptions due to the hot weather, including overhead line expansions, rail buckling, and track-side fire risks, leading to speed restrictions.
Rail passengers also faced cancellations and delays due to engineering work and strikes. LNER reported disruptions on services between London King’s Cross and Peterborough and York and Doncaster. Additionally, the closure of the East Coast Main Line for maintenance work in North Yorkshire impacted travel plans, with a rail replacement bus service causing extended journey times.
Industrial action on London Northwestern Railway and West Midlands Railway further added to the travel chaos, prompting advisories for passengers to travel only if necessary. The Transpennine route also experienced disruptions, with rail replacement services between Manchester Piccadilly and Huddersfield over the weekend.
Road travelers were not spared from disruptions, with the final weekend of the Premier League season leading to increased traffic as fans traveled to support their teams. The AA forecasted high volumes of journeys, with Friday expected to be the busiest day. Additionally, rising fuel prices added to the challenges faced by motorists, with petrol rates soaring due to geopolitical tensions.
For travelers impacted by the disruptions, assistance was available through provided contact information for further inquiries.