Janice R. Andrews
Major Channel crossing locations are getting ready for the October launch of a new automated European Union (EU) border information technology system. There are worries about possible delays since non-EU nationals, including British citizens, will have to register biometric information upon their first border crossing under the Entry Exit System (EES).
The Folkestone site of Eurotunnel, the London St Pancras end of Eurostar, and the ferry port at Dover are all receiving tens of millions of pounds in equipment and processing areas. While Eurostar will extend into new regions to make room for more kiosks, Dover intends to increase infrastructure and separate coach processing from automobiles.
Biometric scans and travel-related questions will take the place of passport stamps in the EES process. Potential bottlenecks have drawn attention, and UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron has expressed concern over protracted delays.
Dover intends to install additional kiosks and separate coach processing to the Western docks. Cars will experience a distinct procedure, first at regular lanes and then at the Western docks.
Roselyn Coaches and other coach firms worry that delays would affect their customers’ experience and expenses. Due to space restrictions, border control posts have been quadrupled, and kiosks have been built at several locations for Eurostar passengers.
To reduce delays, Eurotunnel is spending £70 million on processing zones and hiring more workers. Though it won’t be ready for the system’s launch, the EU is working on an app for EES registration; if wait times go too long, a transition period may allow for less inspections.
To reduce border disruption, the UK government pledges tight cooperation with the EU, the Kent Resilience Forum, port authorities, ferry operators, and business. Watch this space for more updates as the UK gets ready for this big shift in border regulations.
