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Christmas Getaway Strains UK Transport: Dover Queues and CrossCountry Cancellations

French border IT faults are slowing passport checks at Dover during one of the busiest travel weeks on record.

Overview

  • On Monday morning, the Port of Dover reported about a 30‑minute wait at French controls, with ferry check‑in running smoothly once vehicles clear border checks.
  • Passengers are being urged not to arrive more than two hours before sailings, and operators are rebooking anyone who misses a departure onto the next available crossing.
  • Road traffic is set to be heavy, with the AA expecting about 24 million cars on UK roads on Monday and the RAC advising drivers to avoid 10am–5pm where possible.
  • CrossCountry has cancelled services because of train crew shortages, disrupting routes including Manchester–Birmingham and warning of busier trains on remaining services.
  • National Highways is lifting many roadworks to improve flow, while forecasters warn that rain, mist and local flood alerts could add to delays through the week.