Travellers faced delays of up to 24 hours between Friday (31 March) and Sunday (2 April) as a result of slow processing and an unexpected number of coaches. 

Disruption became so serious over the weekend that few coach companies were forced to turn around and go home.

Trade body the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT) has now called on the port to ensure a smooth run of operations, especially during Easter weekend. 

“The port of Dover needs to work with all parties to properly resource border control checks and the efficient embarkation of people and vehicles onto ferries,” said chief executive Graham Vidler. 

According to the CPT, authorities need to provide more UK and French border officials to speed up passport checks, as well as open more priority lanes for coach operators. 

The trade body has also encouraged ferry companies such as Irish and P&O to use apps like DFDS, which provide customers with live information as well as access to documents. 

This, the CPT said, could reduce boarding time by around 15 minutes per coach. 

“Coach is the most efficient and environmentally-friendly way of moving large numbers of people across the Channel,” the chief executive added. “Coach passengers should be welcomed and prioritised, rather than being made to wait hours due to unacceptable delays.”

Earlier this week, Vidler called on the government to put an end to the disruption, telling ministers that the “procedures to enter the EU should not have a negative impact on people.”

No10 admitted on Monday (3 April) that Brexit has contributed to the delays at Dover, as UK passports have to be manually checked and stamped following the UK’s departure from the EU.

TTG has approached Dover for comment.