EU clears airport‑style checks for Eurotunnel to curb border chaos
The Guardian reported that the European Commission has approved a new border‑control system for the Eurotunnel linking the United Kingdom and France.
The Guardian reported that the European Commission has approved a new border‑control system for the Eurotunnel linking the United Kingdom and France. Getlink, the tunnel’s owner, plans to introduce "airport‑style" passport and fingerprint checks that would allow drivers to stay in their cars while being screened.
The approved system will use an "eagle eye" camera network, a technology already deployed at Rome and Paris airports to supervise fingerprinting and facial imaging. Officials say the move is intended to prevent "short‑term and long‑term chaos" at the Folkestone and Calais terminals, where congestion has been a persistent problem.
By mirroring airport procedures, the scheme aims to streamline the flow of vehicles and reduce delays for travellers crossing the Channel. The Guardian noted that the approach seeks to balance security requirements with a smoother experience for motorists, avoiding the need for them to exit their vehicles during checks.
Why it matters
The new system could ease congestion at the Eurotunnel border and improve travel efficiency for motorists.
Key details
- Location
- United Kingdom · Europe
- Reported by
- The Guardian
- First reported
- Key names
- Eurotunnel, Folkestone, Calais, Getlink
- Section
- Travel
Sources
This is an independent summary. Read the full, original reporting from the publisher:
- The GuardianUK-EU breakthrough will allow airport-style checks at Eurotunnel to avoid border ‘chaos’
Spotted an error? Request a correction · How this summary was produced
Related Stories
Calais, 10 years after the Jungle: Migrants still risk the Channel crossing
Ten years ago, in 2016, thousands of #migrants lived in what was known as the “Great #Jungle”, a vast camp on the outskirts of #Calais.
Nineteen injured in minibus accident on Eurotunnel loading platform
Five people seriously hurt after incident involving vehicle carrying HGV drivers in Calais, say French authorities Nineteen people have been injured…
What do Christmas market traders say about rising prices?
From £8 bratwursts to £11 Yorkshire pudding wraps, why is the cost of the markets rising year on year?
Bristol plans five‑year wetland push to cut flood risk
Bristol is set to become the UK’s first "wetland city" as part of a five‑year scheme to lower flood risk and broaden access to green and blue spaces.
FAA ground stop lifted: Why were US flights grounded, and what’s next?
The FAA says nationwide ground stop disrupting thousands of US flights was caused by a telecommunications outage.
FAA ground stop throws US airports into chaos
The Guardian reported that the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration’s decision to ground all flights on Friday plunged airports nationwide into…
US‑bound flights from Sydney and Melbourne delayed after American halt
The Guardian reported that several flights bound for the United States were grounded or delayed on Saturday after American authorities stopped…
Tanker collision leaves riverboat passengers clinging to railings
Passengers were rescued after a tanker ship collided with a riverboat docked on the Mississippi River in New Orleans.