The chaos continues near the Port of Dover as holidaymakers continue to be stuck in endless traffic jams. Some travellers, often accompanied by their children, had to stay in the queues for more than 7 hours. 

The crisis situation started last on Friday the 22nd of July as millions of people took it to the road to travel back from their holidays, overwhelming the border staff on both sides of the Channel following the decision of French border officials to operate only 6 of their 12 booths at Dover. 

Although the port’s overall situation has slightly improved, things remain critical around Eurotunnel. Consequently, the roadside leading to the Port of Dover was turned into a public urinal.  

Some travellers reportedly spent as much as 21 hours trying to make the Eurotunnel crossing. Others reportedly advanced the desperately slow pace of one mile in 8 hours.

Another issue for the numerous people trapped on the road is the gradual shortage of water. Members of the coastguard have been urged to hand out bottles to the unfortunate holidaymakers. 

Jack Cousens, Head of Roads Policy at the AA, told the Daily Mail that Folkestone “has become the hotspot of holiday hell”.

Image: YouTube (BBC News)

Author: Sébastien Meuwissen