Kent lorry chaos at Dover, Folkestone and Manston Airport as coronavirus travel ban lifted by France covered by world media
12:47, 23 December 2020
updated: 13:59, 23 December 2020
As chaos continues with thousands of lorry drivers stranded in Kent waiting to head to the continent, the eyes of the world have turned on Dover.
One German journalist saw the chaos as a sign of things to come after the transition period ends and said producers in her country may turn their backs on Britain if things don't improve.
Media outlets around the globe have been reporting on the delays after the French government imposed a travel ban on freight and passengers leaving the UK.
From the USA, to Australia, Germany, Ireland and even the Middle East, news organisations have been reporting on the unfolding scenes
Today saw drivers and police clash amid mounting frustration.
German media have been following the chaos closely.
Ute Koboldt, a producer at Frankfurt-based ZDF TV, told KentOnline German businesses feel they may have to turn their back on the UK if the situation doesn't improve.
It is being seen as a potential sign of things to come when the transition period ends and she had already spoken to one driver whose next job was scrapped as it wasn't worth the risk of delivery to a gridlocked country.
"They think 'Britain is just not viable for us any more if things continue like this'," she said of German hauliers, many of whom would explore alternate ferry routes post Brexit, such as a new route to Ireland.
In terms of the current backlog ZDF has been covering it from the humanitarian angle. Very few drivers will now get back for Christmas, she explained.
She added: "How on earth has it come to this?"
Here's a pick of some of the headlines around the world:
Can Travel Bans Really Stop the Spread of Coronavirus Variants? Experts Are Skeptical
Courier Mail, Brisbane, Australia
Kent Airport Becomes Truck Park as Freight Ban Continues
Mooresville Tribune, North Carolina, USA
Still stuck: 1,500 France-bound trucks stranded in England
World cuts off UK over coronavirus mutation scare
Freight chaos as Europe closes borders to UK over new strain of coronavirus
Anglo-French Agreement To End Dover Freight Logjam
France to reopen border with UK but lorry drivers face Covid tests
WHEC 10, Rochester, New York, USA
Cut off: Britain Hit With Travel Bans Over New Virus Strain
The travel ban, which was lifted by the French authorities last night, comes as a relief for some stranded truckers who may still be able to return to their families before Christmas.
Drivers must record a negative coronavirus result before being allowed to board trains and ferries leaving Folkestone and Dover.
The resulting delays is causing gridlock around Dover, Folkestone and Thanet with roads jammed as police attempt to keep order to allow truckers to receive their tests allowing them to board ferries.
Manston Airport opened as a huge holding area for 4,000 vehicles yesterday and the government has urged drivers not to travel into Kent until the backlog has cleared.
The community has stepped in to help drivers by delivering pizza, curries and other items to the roadside.
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