Queues at ports and train disruptions make for a difficult start to the holiday season, as strikes and traffic congestion take hold.

Ferry Delays and Rail Strikes Disrupt Summer Holiday Travel
Queues at ports and train disruptions make for a difficult start to the holiday season, as strikes and traffic congestion take hold.
Category: Travel

As the summer holidays kick off, travellers are facing significant disruptions, with long ferry queues and ongoing rail strikes complicating journeys for many. With schools in England now on holiday, thousands are heading abroad or exploring the UK, but issues at ports and on the railways have already caused headaches.

At the Port of Dover, one of the busiest entry points to the UK, border checks have caused long delays, with passengers waiting up to 40 minutes to clear security, down from a peak of 90 minutes earlier in the day. The port, however, reassured travellers that if they miss their ferry, they would be placed on the next available sailing. P&O Ferries, which operates routes across the Channel, also urged customers to allow extra time for checks.

Rail services were also severely disrupted on Saturday, with industrial action affecting multiple train companies. The ongoing pay and conditions dispute has led to strikes, including an overtime ban from the Aslef union. National Rail warned that train services would be reduced, especially on the 14 train companies affected by the RMT strike. Passengers were urged to check their schedules in advance, with many services expected to finish earlier than usual.

In addition to these travel headaches, the RAC forecasted a busy weekend on the roads, estimating 3.1 million leisure trips on Saturday alone, with 2.5 million more on Sunday. Traffic congestion is expected to be particularly heavy as families head out for trips, with the weather also playing a role. The Met Office predicted unsettled weather, with rain and cooler temperatures for many parts of the UK, creating a “disappointingly cool” start to the holiday season.

For those holidaying in the UK, the first part of the summer break is expected to be wet, but the weather may improve in the second half of August. The UK’s current weather woes are attributed to the position of a jet stream, which is pushing high pressure southward, contributing to a heatwave across parts of Europe.

In an effort to streamline travel, the Home Office announced that from Monday, children aged 10 and over will be able to use eGates at 15 airports and rail ports to speed up passport control. With more than 34 million air arrivals expected this summer, the use of eGates is expected to ease some of the congestion, especially as families with children are expected to make up a large portion of the travellers.