The introduction of a controversial new EU border regime which could cause huge delays at the Channel ports has been delayed yet again.

It had been expected that biometric checks as part of the incoming Entry/Exit System (EES) would be in place ahead of the summer holidays, but they have now been pushed back until at least the end of 2023.

The postponement of the new rules will lessen the friction at the border between the UK and the EU at Dover and Folkestone, which last year produced days of traffic gridlock on the roads of Kent during the summer getaway.

Senior figures in the transport industry have warned delays could be even worse when EES is introduced.

The laws require the gathering of biometric data ­– fingerprints scanned, photographs taken – in the presence of a French officer of the Police aux Frontières (PAF) when crossing the border.

This will increase processing times and create longer queues at the frontier during the peak season.

It had been expected the new system could have been in place in September. This was then put back to May this year, prior to the latest delay.

Dover Harbour Board company secretary Tim Reardon, who led the port's response to Brexit, told KentOnline there have been trials of new technology which it is hoped could minimise delays.

The PAF is hoping to use tablets to record the required passenger data, allowing this information to be registered without travellers leaving their vehicles.

Both the Port of Dover and Eurotunnel have said it would simply be too dangerous to have people leave their cars in busy traffic lanes at the border.

It is understood the French authorities have conducted trials of the new technology in Calais, but there have been issues with reliability in capturing people's photographs.

Mr Reardon said: "The tablets, if they can be made to work properly, would provide a way to capture passengers' data without making them get out of their cars and stand in front of a desk.

"This would address the safety concerns, that passengers must remain in their cars when driving through the port, including at the passport checkpoints.

"But the trials showed that the transaction time for each vehicle was materially longer than the current dwell time at PAF.

"The consequences for traffic flow through the port are obvious, and we have drawn them to the government's attention."

EU officials took the decision to delay the implementation of EES at a meeting in Tallinn, Estonia, on January 12.

Announcing the outcome of the session, the bloc said: "The planned entry into operation of May 2023 is no longer deemed feasible.

"While a new date has not been planned, the management board agreed that the stakeholders shall continue their preparation accordingly, with the target date by the end of 2023.

"In particular, border crossing points should be fully equipped for the use of the Entry/Exit System."