UK ANNOUNCES £10.5 MILLION FUNDING TO MITIGATE DISRUPTIONS DUE TO EES
As truck drivers and logistics service providers brace for the launch of the European Union's new digital Entry and Exit System (EES) on borders, set to be introduced in November, the UK government has announced an additional £10.5 million in funding to mitigate potential travel disruptions at British ports, reports POLITICO. The EES, which will require British travellers to register their fingerprints and photographs before entering Europe, has raised concerns about significant delays at key entry points.
The funding is aimed at bolstering infrastructure and readiness at critical locations, including the Port of Dover, Eurotunnel at Folkestone, and Eurostar at London St. Pancras. The move comes amid warnings from logistics experts that the new system could lead to extensive queues, not only affecting passengers but also potentially disrupting freight and supply chains, with knock-on effects across the UK economy.
The UK Department for Transport has earmarked £3.5 million of this funding specifically for the Granville Dock Project at Dover, a site that will play a crucial role in processing travellers under the EES. The remaining funds will be used at Eurotunnel and Eurostar to install necessary technology, conduct testing, and recruit and train staff to handle the increased demands of the new system.
Source: POLITICO