Concerns over EU digital border controls in Dover
There's warning of a 'cataclysmic car crash' at Kent's ports
There's warning of a 'cataclysmic car crash' at Kent's ports, ahead of the arrival of new EU digital border controls in October.
The Entry Exit System (EES) is due to be brought in on October 6 when manual passport stamps at Kent ports are to be replaced by biometric facial imaging and fingerprinting.
These would be carried out by French border officials on site, causing anticipated 14-hour waits and the possibility of gridlock on Kent’s highways with the Operation Brock contraflow system in place for years, officials have warned.
Kent County Council say they're seeking ways to hold HGVs and non-domestic freight outside of the county and process them elsewhere.
Members of the environment and transport cabinet committee also agreed unaccompanied freight could be shipped out of other ports in Kent and Essex to minimise pressure on the roads.
The recommendations were made by Cllr Harry Rayner.
“The government must not drag its heels"
Cabinet member for highways and transport, Neil Baker, echoed many calls in recent months for the government to act to ensure delays are kept to a minimum.
He added:
“We are calling on government to act now to ensure our borders are free from delay and disruption, with improved infrastructure, information, and intelligence, to ensure that everyone travelling through Kent is kept safe, fully informed and that they are able to reach their destinations easily and without delay.
“The government must not drag its heels in doing everything it can to support Kent through the introduction of EES checks.
“It’s now less than nine months until the checks are likely to begin, and they need to be clear with local and national stakeholders, the EU and neighbouring countries, to educate, inform and encourage the sensible and sustainable introduction of these new controls at the right time.”
Romney Marsh member Cllr Tony Hills said the county was heading for a “cataclysmic car crash” in October and it would be unfair on the local people.
Independent councillor Mike Baldock said HGVs must held back from Kent on the M25 or beyond to minimise pressure on Kent.
The EU argues the new system will stop time-consuming manual passport checks and prevent people overstaying in EU countries.