Why is there gridlock at Dover again and will it always be like this?

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. Read our privacy policy As many as 20,000 coach passengers hoping to sail from the UK’s leading port to Calais and Dunkirk over the weekend endured extremely long waits at Dover – in some cases up to 18 hours – before departing by ferry to France. Liz Truss, who was to become prime minister six weeks later, said: “We need action from France to build up capacity at the border, to limit any further disruption for British tourists and to ensure this appalling situation is avoided in future.” Natalie Elphicke, MP for Dover, writes in the Express: “It’s not a Brexit issue. “We’ve had many years now since leaving the EU, and there’s been, on the whole, very good operations and processes at the border.” open image in gallery Coaches wait to enter the Port of Dover in Kent after extra sailings were run overnight to try and clear the backlog Is the home secretary correct? A spokesperson said: “The UK Government remains in close contact with ferry operators, the French authorities, and the Kent Resilience Forum, regarding delays at the Port of Dover.