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Traffic jam before check-in at Dover Ferry Port
Photo: Gareth Fuller/AP
Because of long waiting times for British ferry passengers, a dispute has broken out between Great Britain and France, which is being waged by politicians as well as ferry and port operators.
British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss, who is running to succeed Boris Johnson, has urged Paris to do something about the "unacceptable" delays at the Port of Dover.
The port operator also blamed the French authorities for long queues before crossing to Calais.
In a statement, Truss described the situation as "completely avoidable."
"The lack of staff at the French border is screwing up the start of the summer holidays," said a statement from the port of Dover.
The French side, on the other hand, referred to an "unforeseeable technical incident".
Passengers must undergo border checks by French officials at Dover before boarding a ferry bound for northern France.
Port director advises ticketed passengers not to go to the port
Port director Doug Bannister spoke on the British broadcaster BBC of a critical situation and advised travelers with tickets for the ferry to France not even to go to the port.
On the French side, Regional Prefect Georges-François Leclerc assured that "the increase in traffic this weekend had of course been foreseen and a corresponding contingent had been prepared".
Leclerc warned that "the smooth running of the Port of Dover is the joint responsibility of a number of stakeholders, including in particular the shipping companies, the Port of Dover and the British authorities".
The operator reminds you to take enough water with you
The ferry operator P&O Ferries announced waiting times of at least six hours for the one and a half hour crossing to Calais in France and recommended taking enough water and food with you.
Port officials in Dover warned to reconsider possible travel plans at the end of the school year.
This week marks the start of the summer holidays for most UK schools, one of the busiest times for crossing the English Channel.
ani/AFP