New EU border controls requiring biometric checks threaten major delays at Dover, potentially impacting Christmas food deliveries.
- Logistics UK warns that the new Entry/Exit System (EES) could cause significant disruptions during the peak import season.
- Research suggests processing time could increase from under a minute to seven minutes per vehicle.
- Delays could extend queues by up to ten miles, with worst-case scenarios predicting 14-hour wait times.
- The potential costs of these delays could reach £400 million annually, burdening consumers and the UK economy.
The introduction of the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) on 10 November will mandate fingerprint and facial recognition checks for non-EU passengers at Dover. Logistics UK has issued warnings that this system could lead to severe traffic congestions, affecting the timely delivery of goods. The organisation is advocating for a nationwide awareness campaign to address possible border disruptions.
According to studies, the processing time for each vehicle could increase from under a minute to as much as seven minutes. Research conducted by Imperial College London indicates that each additional minute could result in queues extending by approximately ten miles. Such delays have the potential to cause significant disruption, particularly during the ‘food shoulder’ period when the UK heavily imports goods.
Ashford Council highlighted the potential for up to 14-hour delays in evidence presented to Parliament, underscoring the severity of the situation. The new biometric procedures at Dover and Eurotunnel, which involve drivers and passengers scanning their own fingerprints and photographs, are expected to create bottlenecks. Last year, Dover and Eurotunnel processed over half of the UK’s trade with continental Europe, particularly crucial imports such as meat, fruit, vegetables, and dairy products.
Although most truck drivers are EU nationals and exempt from these checks, the anticipated delays for car traffic are likely to force lorries into lengthy queues. This would mainly affect UK exports, including seafood and other perishable goods. Nichola Mallon, Head of Trade at Logistics UK, has called on the government to spearhead a robust public information campaign and prepare contingency measures to limit the impact of system failures.
Logistics UK estimates that delays resulting from the new checks could cost £1.30 per minute per lorry, with potential 14-hour holdups translating into an additional £1,100 per vehicle. This financial burden would eventually be passed on to consumers. An average delay of 90 minutes per journey could cost the UK economy an estimated £400 million annually, a significant concern for the upcoming Christmas season.
The government has allocated £10.5 million to support preparations for the EES, with funds directed towards infrastructure improvements at Dover, Eurostar, and Eurotunnel. However, these efforts focus primarily on expanding border kiosks and upgrading processing facilities rather than directly addressing delay issues. Despite plans for a publicity campaign, details remain scant. Previous campaigns utilised motorway signage and leaflets, but Logistics UK suggests a more comprehensive approach involving mainstream and social media.
The looming implementation of the EU’s EES poses a substantial threat to the UK supply chain, demanding urgent action to avert a festive season crisis.
