Overflow sites lined up for EU border check delays

Port of Dover bosses have insisted there will not be delays due to the system on day one

Two sites in Kent have been earmarked as holding areas for cars in case a new EU border system results in long delays at the Port of Dover and Eurotunnel.

It is understood the government is finalising a deal to use a location near the M20 for overflow parking if the Entry/Exit System (EES) causes chaos at the port.

Officials have already reached an agreement for Lydden Hill Race Circuit to hold Europe-bound A2 traffic during disruption.

The EES is being rolled out in phases over six months, starting on Sunday.

No payments will be made for either site unless they are used, which could also happen during bad weather or industrial action.

The as-yet-unsigned deal is expected to be completed by summer 2026, when holidaymaker traffic could become the system's first major test.

Managers at the port have insisted there will not be delays due to the system from day one, as traffic levels will be "manageable".

Eurotunnel has also said it is "ready" and insisted there "won't be disruption" at its terminals in Folkestone and Calais.

The much-delayed EES will involve visitors from Britain and other non-EU countries having their photo and fingerprints taken before entry to the EU is granted.

For air passengers this will be done on arrival at foreign airports but the checks take place before travelling at London's St Pancras station, the Port of Dover and Eurotunnel's Folkestone terminal.

Alex Norris, minister for border security and asylum, said the government "worked closely with our European partners to ensure the rollout goes as smoothly as possible".

Transport minister Keir Mather said the government's priority was to "minimise disruption for travellers and hauliers, particularly at our busiest border crossings".

The Port of Dover requested its EES kiosks do not initially require users to answer questions about their trip such as whether they have sufficient funds or a return ticket.

Those requests were passed on by the UK government to EU officials but no confirmation has been received, it is understood.

Additional reporting by PA Media