Limiting coach capacity at Dover ‘unacceptable and backward’, say operators

Sign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Trade association, the Confederation of Passenger Transport, said limiting the number of coaches allowed to use the Kent port would be “an unacceptable and backward step”. Measures include:– More border staff to speed up passport checks;– More coach priority lanes on the approach to the port;– Encourage Irish Ferries and P&O Ferries to introduce a driver app, like the one used by DFDS, to cut processing times for coaches by enabling information to be sent in advance. “This is why the Port of Dover needs to work with all parties to properly resource border control checks and the efficient embarkation of people and vehicles on to ferries.” Delays at the port have been blamed on French border officials carrying out extra checks and stamping UK passports following Brexit. Downing Street acknowledged that “new processes” introduced following the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union contributed to last weekend’s disruption, while Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said “of course Brexit has had an impact”.