Tempers flare at the Port of Dover
France has ended its ban on UK arrivals, but drivers must have negative test-result to travel and many will surely miss Christmas at home.
Scuffles broke out at the Port of Dover, the BBC reports today, as haulage drivers face long delays in obtaining Covid-19 tests. Only those with a negative result from the last 72-hours will be permitted to travel and frustration is mounting due to the delays and lack of facilities for drivers.
Although the French government’s ban on travel from the UK was eased last night, subject to a negative result, there are still massive logistical problems to overcome. In response, the UK government has deployed the military to help NHS Test and Trace staff carry out the necessary tests.
Communities Secretary, Robert Jenrick said it could take “a few days” to process all the drivers. Rod McKenzie of the Road Haulage Association described the situation as “chaotic”, as drivers were still heading for ports in the belief that borders were open.
