Families looking to get away this Christmas are being faced with lengthy queues at Dover after French border controls were hit with IT issues.
Ferry passengers heading to the Port of Dover are stuck in gridlock traffic after the border faced issues with its technology.
The French border began experiencing IT issues before the peak of traffic on Saturday morning, the Port of Dover said in a post on X.
The Port of Dover has forecast the busiest year on record for the Christmas getaway in the UK, estimating that nearly 30,000 cars will make outbound journeys over the festive period.
It said traffic is likely to peak between 6am and 1pm on Friday to Sunday.
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The port said the IT issues are ongoing and are working with its partner agencies to resolve the issue.
It also wrote: ”We ask that passengers do not arrive more than two hours before the sailing and for their patience and understanding.
‘We also ask that all port-bound traffic remain on the main roads to the port, the A20 and A2, and keep the local roads clear for the community.
‘If customers do miss their scheduled sailing due to the wait times, their ferry operator will place them on the next available crossing.’
The RAC has estimated that a total of 37.5 million car trips are planned between Wednesday and Christmas Eve.
Shaun Jones, AA expert patrol, said: ‘It’s beginning to look a lot like traffic.
‘Our advice is simple: plan ahead, check your route and allow extra time.
‘Patience will be your best present this year.’
RAC mobile servicing and repairs team leader Nick Mullender said the traffic around Christmas time could leave some feeling like the Grinch.
He said: ‘With record numbers predicted to be taking to the roads this Christmas, journeys have the potential to be Grinch-worthy without some careful planning.
‘The week before Christmas is one of the few times of year when most of the UK hits the road simultaneously, with 2025 looking to be the busiest getaway period since our records began.’
P&O Ferries, which operates some services from the Port of Dover, said there are large queues in the buffer area, but reassured passengers that they can face smooth check-in without delay once through.
The company has urged customers to allow extra time for their journey.
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