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Dover delays leave children 'trapped on coaches' for hours

21:27, 31 March 2023

updated: 21:29, 31 March 2023

There are reports of long delays at the Port of Dover for coach passengers – with some children waiting for over five hours without food.

The Port of Dover tweeted about the problems earlier this evening and apologised for the wait, which comes at the start of the school Easter holidays.

There are long delays at The Port of Dover
There are long delays at The Port of Dover

It said: "Please be advised that due to high volumes & extended processing times at Border Controls, there are delays for coach traffic. We apologise for the inconvenience these delays may have caused to passenger journeys and thank all port users for their patience at this time."

The tweet got dozens of replies from angry customers said they had been left waiting with no information on how much longer it would take.

Passenger @AlisonEppey wrote: "My kids stuck on a coach since 11.00 now waiting 5 hours at Dover surely they expected this."

The port said the delays are with border processing
The port said the delays are with border processing

Dr Anne Johnson asked: "How much longer are our children going to be without food trapped on a coach? They have been there since 10am having been up since 4am - disgraceful. In an airport they would have received a meal."

Karen Lloyd said: "Kids are stuck in coaches with no info or provisions & have been there literally all day. An awful start to what should be joyful school trips filled with fun memories."

In its latest tweet, just after 9pm, the Port of Dover said: "The Port, ferry operators & agency partners are striving to get coach passengers away. We apologise for the delays with border processing & will look to get you on your way as soon as possible."

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