Protests05 September, 20263 min read
Masked Protesters Block Traffic Into Port of Dover, Causing Up to 30 Minutes Delays
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Hundreds of masked protesters blocked roads into Port of Dover, halting all traffic. Police engaging with protesters; port describes ongoing public order incident disrupting ferries.
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Port of Dover blocked
Masked demonstrators blocked traffic in and out of the Port of Dover in Kent, with Kent Police saying it was aware of a protest "currently taking place" at the ferry terminal and that officers were "engaging with protesters". National Highways said the protests caused four miles of congestion on the A20 between the A256 York Street and the A2 Jubilee Way, with delays of up to 30 minutes. The Port of Dover said the "ongoing public order incident" was affecting "all routes" in and out of the port and town, while P&O Ferries said it would get passengers on to the next available sailing if they missed their scheduled crossing.
DFDS said it was aware of the "current traffic disruption" and would accommodate passengers on the next departure once they arrived, as traffic was stopped in both directions on the A20. The disruption also affected wider local plans, with Dover’s waterfront Park Run cancelled due to "mass disruption with some protestors".
Voices and accusations
Mike Tapp, the Labour MP for Dover and Deal, criticised the masked demonstrators and said he was in contact with police, writing on Facebook: "I am fed up with idiots coming to Dover to cause disruption." In the same post, Tapp added: "Go home, enjoy your weekend/get a job," as National Highways reported the A20 was closed in both directions due to the protest activity. KentOnline reported that Nathan Ditchburn, who saw the group arrive at around 6.45am, said: "I would say there are around 300 men, maybe more."
Ditchburn told KentOnline that protesters "have blocked off every entrance and exit of the Dover port area, and Jubilee Way is blocked as well," describing the impact as "huge delays for the ferries today." Reform UK county councillor Paul King told residents to avoid the port area, saying: "I’ve been told it’s a stop the boats protest" and adding that local women felt frightened by "such a large group of men walking up the street."
Travel disruption and next steps
P&O Ferries told passengers that sailings were "still going ahead as scheduled," adding that those who missed their departure would be offered the next available crossing. DFDS said it was "aware of the current traffic disruption affecting access to the port" and that it would "accommodate you onto the next departure once you arrive," as the Port of Dover confirmed disruption was affecting "all routes" in and out of the port and town. Sky News reported Kent Police described the situation as an "ongoing public order incident" and said officers were "aware of a protest currently taking place" while talking to demonstrators.
“Officers are in attendance and engaging with protesters.”
The Port of Dover said it was working with Kent Police to understand the situation and hoped for a swift resolution, warning that "Traffic going in and out of the port is stopped due to an ongoing public order incident." With the A20 blocked and congestion building, National Highways said traffic was stopped due to protest activity at Dover Port, reporting "Current delays of up to 30 minutes on the approach, with 4 miles of congestion."