Easter getaway: Measures to prevent chaos at Port of Dover 'appear to be working'

Holidaymakers have been warned they could face delays at the Port of Dover this Easter getaway weekend.

It comes after chaotic scenes at the port last weekend when thousands of people were delayed, reportedly by up to 14 hours.

4.27pm

Traffic is currently flowing well at the Port of Dover, with tourist cars now having minimal wait, freight moving faster and coaches free flowing.

Port bosses have thanked everyone for their patience.

2.46pm

The Port of Dover says that coaches are currently free flowing, and that tourist cars have a wait of between 60-90 minutes.

2.43pm

The MP for Dover, Natalie Elphicke, says £45m has been approved to be spent on keeping the Port of Dover and local roads clear.

She said: "We want to see that put to work to make sure we have no congestion of the type we've seen, as we come up to the summer getaway.

"We need to make sure operationally everything is done to look after holidaymakers, and to look after our community and our workers."

12:18pm

Words from ITV News Meridian's John Ryall who is at the Port of Dover:

Emergency measures taken to prevent gridlock at the Port of Dover on the busiest day of the Easter getaway appear to be working. 

Traffic queues built up through the morning with up to 90 minute delays at passport control - but nothing like the chaotic scenes of last weekend.

The port has created extra capacity for the getaway, staffing levels have been ramped up at the French-operated  border control points - and coach travel is being staggered where possible.

However, there are large queues at the entrance to the Port of Dover. P&O Ferries says 'rest assured should you miss your crossing you will be on the next available'.

11:40am

The volume of traffic is expected to peak mid afternoon, with Friday predicted to be the busiest day of the Easter getaway weekend.

Waiting times are between 60-90 minutes at the port - which is reported to be usual for proceedings.

10:58am

DFDS is reminding people that coaches travelling from Dover must go to Western Docks - Cruise terminal before arriving at Port of Dover.

10.16am

The A20 Roundhill Tunnel in Kent is closed eastbound between the M20 J13 Castle Hill Interchange (A259/A2034) and the A260 Spitfire Interchange near Folkestone. 

This closure is in place to prevent traffic queueing inside the tunnel following the implementation of Operation TAP for the Port of Dover.

TAP has been implemented as a result of significant volumes of tourist traffic heading for the port.

9:41am

The roads around the Port of Dover are reported as 'extremely busy' as people make their Easter getaway.

P&O Ferries says it is currently taking around 60 minutes to clear border controls.

The company is advising that customers arrive 90-120 minutes earlier to allow time to clear all the checks and reach check-in.

P&O Ferries is also holding check-in open as long as possible to help get as many passengers on.

DFDS is reporting that traffic is free flowing through check-in, with queues of 60-90 minutes at border controls.

Meanwhile there are currently some queues in the Port Of Calais for Border checks.