Two sites in Kent have been earmarked as holding areas for cars in the event of long delays from a new EU border system being introduced on Sunday.

An agreement is currently being finalised to use a location along the A20/M20 route to add to the previously announced site, Lydden Hill Race Circuit near Wootton, between Dover and Canterbury.

Here, vehicles could be parked up if the Entry/Exit System causes chaos at the Port of Dover.

The deal is expected to be completed in time for next summer, which is likely to be the first major test for the EES as tourist numbers spike.

No payments will be made for either site unless they are used.

The locations have been chosen as part of long-term efforts to boost Kent’s resilience to problems with Channel crossings, and could also be used if bad weather or industrial action causes disruption.

The EES will involve people from non-EU countries – such as the UK – having their fingerprints registered and a photograph taken to enter the EU.

For most UK travellers, this will be done on arrival at foreign airports.

But those travellers boarding international services from London’s St Pancras station, the Port of Dover and Eurotunnel’s Folkestone terminal will complete the checks in the UK.

Last month, before the rollout of EES this Sunday, our reporter got to grips with the new system at the main Eurotunnel terminal.

The Port of Dover has requested that EES kiosks at its site do not initially require users to answer four questions about their trip, covering topics such as whether they have sufficient funds for their trip and have a return travel ticket.

It’s understood those requests have been passed on by the Government to EU officials, but no confirmation has been received.

There have been concerns the introduction of the EES would lead to huge queues, but the EU’s decision to roll out the programme in a phased manner means no major disruption is expected on Sunday.

EU member states will initially only be required to use the system for a proportion of their arrivals.

Earlier this year, it was confirmed the Department for Transport (DFT) has signed a contract with Lydden Hill Race Circuit, allowing passenger vehicles to be temporarily held in the event of severe congestion.

This forms part of the Kent and Medway Resilience Forum’s (KMRF) broader traffic management strategy.

At the time, Ashford MP Sojan Joseph welcomed the move, saying: “I welcome the news that the Department for Transport is actively working to find a long-term alternative to Operation Brock.

“Finding a site to move passenger traffic at times of high disruption caused by large numbers of Channel crossings may help avoid the need to deploy Operation Brock.

“I know the current contraflow system is incredibly disruptive and frustrating for many of my constituents, so I am very pleased the DfT are taking such a positive step by signing this contract.

“I hope we can find a completely workable permanent solution which delivers for the residents of Ashford, Hawkinge, and the surrounding villages.”

The deadline for full implementation of EES is April 10 next year.

Alex Norris, minister for border security and asylum, said: “We recognise that EES checks will be a significant change for British travellers, which is why we have worked closely with our European partners to ensure the rollout goes as smoothly as possible.

“The UK and EU have a shared objective of securing our borders and these modernisation measures will help us protect our citizens and prevent illegal migration.”

Transport minister Keir Mather added: “We’ve backed our ports and operators with £10.5 million to help them get ready for the EU’s new Entry/Exit System, ensuring they have the infrastructure and systems in place to manage the changes.

“Our priority is to minimise disruption for travellers and hauliers, particularly at our busiest border crossings.

“We’ll continue working closely with European partners and local resilience forums to keep traffic flowing and journeys smooth.”