UK Throws £10.5M at EES Preparation Efforts as Eurotunnel Deploys ‘Idiot-proof’ Kiosks

The UK government has provided £10.5 million in funding to British ports, including £3.5 million for the Channel Tunnel, to help prepare for the Entry/Exit System (EES). The funding aims to mitigate the risk of long queues and disruption at border crossings, a concern raised by both government officials and local authorities, particularly in Kent, where fears of traffic gridlock have been expressed.

Eurotunnel’s enhancements are part of a broader initiative across UK ports, including the Port of Dover and St Pancras International, to accommodate the new biometric checks. These measures are intended to ensure that passengers traveling to the EU can do so with minimal delays, despite the additional security requirements.

Eurotunnel, meanwhile, has installed 224 biometric data kiosks at its Folkestone site to comply with the EES.

These kiosks are designed to process biometric data, such as facial recognition and fingerprints, for up to 2,000 passengers or 700 vehicles per hour, with the installation a part of a broader effort by Getlink, the operator of the Channel Tunnel, to ensure smooth border processing under the new EU requirements.

A few months ago, Getlink’s Chief Corporate and Public Affairs Officer, John Keefe, emphasized that the automated kiosks are “idiot-proof” and will handle peak traffic levels without significantly adding to journey times.

In addition to the kiosks, Getlink has invested in expanding driving facilities at Folkestone and Coquelles, including new lanes and covered zones to protect drivers from adverse weather conditions during biometric checks.

The European Commission recently clarified that the launch date for the EES has not been officially set, despite earlier comments suggesting a November 10, 2024, rollout. EU Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson had indicated that the EES was in its final testing phase and approaching readiness, but the week of November 17 is reportedly being kept as a “last resort” in case of further delays.

The European Commission emphasized that the system is still expected to go live in autumn 2024, with an official date to be announced later.

Source: The Connexion, The Guardian

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August 28, 2024 – by Tony Bitzionis