Increased French border guard presence in Britain to address delays
More French border guards have been deployed to checkpoints in Britain to prevent long delays caused by new post-Brexit checks on travellers entering the European Union, reports BritPanorama.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander secured the agreement for this additional presence with her French counterpart, Phillippe Tabarot, ahead of the summer holidays. The deployment aims to alleviate expected congestion as new EU security measures come into effect.
Ministers expressed their commitment to facilitating smooth travel amidst the introduction of these new EU security checks. Ms Alexander stated, “Everyone deserves to enjoy their summer holiday without delays – which is why we are doing all we can to help travellers get through these new EU security checks as smoothly as possible.”
Airports across Europe have already seen long border queues related to the newly implemented biometric system, designed to enhance EU border security. British travellers have been warned of potential waiting times of up to six hours at airports during the summer.
This biometric system requires holidaymakers visiting the EU for the first time since its implementation to provide fingerprints, facial scans, and other personal data. However, reports indicate that some border points are collecting initial scans multiple times, creating further frustration.
Since leaving the EU, UK travellers are classified as “third country” nationals, which has raised concerns about delays. In response, the UK urged for a larger French presence at EU border checks within the UK, particularly at busy locations like the Port of Dover, until new passport booths and tablets can be installed.
To further alleviate the situation, ministers have announced a £20 million fund to enhance the number of passport booths, in addition to the £10.5 million already allocated to minimise disruption. This funding reflects a proactive approach to addressing expected travel challenges.
“As well as the over £20 million we have given to increase booths for passport checks and minimise disruption, I have raised holidaymakers’ concerns directly with the EU commissioner for transport to make sure they are playing their part to reduce delays during the busiest travel period of the year,” Ms Alexander added.
Earlier this week, a government minister underscored the need for prioritising passenger flow during peak travel times. Home Office minister Alex Norris indicated that UK officials have urged France to give precedence to the movement of people over strict compliance with new checks.
A spokesperson for the Department of Transport remarked that high levels of resourcing at border points are essential to facilitate smoother journeys for passengers as summer intensifies.
As travel expectations rise, the cooperation between UK and French authorities may prove vital in keeping delays at bay during the busy holiday season.
