Heightened terrorist checks slow Channel crossings from UK

People travelling across the Channel from Dover have been warned to expect delays of up to twelve hours after checks were stepped up at the request of French authorities.

The force’s officers, alongside Kent county council and the coastguard are set to hand out water to people stuck in queues.

Holidaymakers and lorry drivers are still being warned that they face queues lasting for hours, and are being advised to take food and water with them.

Kent Police has assisted Highways England by enforcing a partial lane closure of the London-bound A20 so that water can be given to motorists on the Dover-bound carriageway.

French authorities say higher security sparked by the recent terror attacks were to blame for the disastrous tailbacks.

“The current wait remains lengthy and passengers should contact ferry operators for information, consider delaying their departure, and ensure they have plenty of water and food with them if deciding to travel”.

The release added: “The port shares and appreciates the frustration of the travelling public. Our chief executive has spoken with our Dover MP Charlie Elphicke to help us escalate this once again at Government level”.

The 38-year-old, from Hythe in Kent, had been stuck in traffic for more than three hours.

Earlier on Saturday motorists described people getting out of their vehicles to stretch their legs, and children playing football to entertain themselves.

She said: “Situation is tragic!”

Despite temperatures peaking at around 20.2C (68.36F), police have advised people to stay in their cars.

This action is triggered when people have been stuck for over eight hours.

Chris Bussell – who has been waiting in his vehicle with his four children, told Sky News: “We joined queue at eight thirty this morning and have been sat in it ever since”.

There are seven ponies in the convoy, but no priority system in place for livestock, she said.

Drivers have been delayed for up to 12 hours on the way to the Port of Dover because of extra security checks.

“Normally when Operation Stack is in progress they prioritise livestock and you get a police escort down, but there’s none of that, no priority”, she said. They should have been prepared.

A female German motorist, who did not want to be named, said: “We just came from Dorset”.

Eurotunnel services have also been affected by “French government requirements to deliver heightened security checks”, Highways England said in a statement.