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Tensions flare amid Port of Calais delays in 'dangerous' queues bound for Kent

By: Sean Axtell saxtell@thekmgroup.co.uk

Published: 13:16, 04 September 2022

Updated: 13:20, 04 September 2022

Footage has emerged of frustrated motorists clashing after waiting hours in "dangerous" queues for ferries bound for Dover.

One passenger told KentOnline he waited six hours at the Port of Calais yesterday as travellers became "hungry and tired," with children playing among the traffic.

Today, passengers heading to Kent were warned to “allow as much time as possible” amid long queues, with waits estimated to be around two hours.

But Tom Harvey said the queues are in fact longer, with the situation becoming "dangerous."

"We were there from 7.30pm for our 8.40pm ferry but only just made it onto the 2am one after queuing in start-stop traffic up to the UK border Force for six hours," he said.

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Mr Harvey described a physical fight almost erupting in front of children at about 10pm, following allegations of queue jumping.

"It wasn't completely standstill as drivers still had to edge forward by a few metres every few minutes, and after so many people had driven from far away in France to get there leading up to this, it was dangerous too.

“Ultimately it is the humble traveller and their families who continue to suffer."

"Everyone around us complained of being tired, hungry, thirsty and kids playing around the cars - it's not only inconvenient to have these queues, it was dangerous."

Cross Channel ferry operators P&O Ferries and DFDS said passengers should expect the terminal to be “very busy” and advised taking “sufficient breaks for food and water.”

P&O Ferries told customers if they miss their ferry as a result of the delays they will be on the next available crossing.

“The queues this morning in the Port of Calais are approximately two hours long," they said in a Tweet.

Passenger Nicholas Mohan told KentOnline he was delayed for seven hours when making the crossing on Friday.

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He said: “Ultimately it is the humble traveller and their families who continue to suffer."

It is unclear what is causing the delays, however, it is understood there is a swelling in demand as travellers make their way home before children return to school.

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