Port of Dover CEO Confirms Readiness for Border Checks, Welcomes Delay of “Untested” Technology

The chief executive of the Port of Dover indicated that the port was prepared to introduce forthcoming border controls, yet expressed satisfaction with their postponement due to the technology being “untested” and “unproven”. Speaking to BBC Radio Kent, Doug Bannister confirmed that the necessary infrastructure was established at the port for the implementation of the Entry-Exit System (EES), which has since been delayed and was originally scheduled for 10 November. Mr. Bannister described the current situation as an “uncertain period,” noting an unspecified timeline for the system’s eventual introduction. Upon activation, the EES will require UK passengers to undergo fingerprinting and facial scanning for entry into the EU. The system’s launch was postponed in October, following declarations from Germany, France, and the Netherlands that their respective systems were not prepared. Mr. Bannister stated, “On the one hand, I’m really pleased that the European Union had made the decision to not move forward with untested, unproven technology.” However, he also mentioned that it was currently “awfully difficult” for port administrators to formulate plans until a revised schedule is established. He further commented that, given its digital nature, the process is expected to operate more efficiently than the existing manual verification methods. He remarked, “That should be the philosophy that we are shooting for.” He continued, “If we are taking a lot of manual activity away it should work even better.” Earlier, Kevin Mills, the leader of Dover District Council, informed a parliamentary hearing that implementing the EES would have resulted in “complete and utter carnage” and potentially caused “gridlock on steroids” in Dover. The Port of Dover stands as one of three sites within the UK designated for these checks, as the majority of such verifications are anticipated to occur upon arrival at international airports. During August, the government disclosed an allocation of £10.5 million in funding for the Port of Dover, Eurotunnel at Folkestone, and Eurostar at St Pancras. A spokesperson for the government had previously indicated its commitment to assisting ports and carriers in ensuring the necessary technology and procedures were established to facilitate registration as “smoothly as possible.” For updates, follow BBC Kent on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Story submissions can be sent to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp at 08081 002250. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for material found on external websites. Information regarding our policy on external linking is available.