Apparently, there has been major disruption today following a breakdown in P&O's computer system leading to huge tailbacks. SeaFrance and P&O are having an amusing hissy fit, see below. This is far from the first time that this has happened and I took photos of a similar situation way back in 2004, on this occasion it was SeaFrance that had suffered a computer systems breakdown. The problem is that, once the tailback from one operator's check-in booths reaches back to Compactor Corner, it chokes off the traffic to all the other operators' booths.
http://shipsintheportofdover.fotopic.net/c1730481.html
Computer problem disrupts ferries
Problems with a ferry operator's computerised check-in system have led to
traffic disruption and delays for cross-Channel travellers.
The Port of Dover issued a warning to travellers saying the check-in system used
by P&O had failed and there was a backlog of traffic.
The problem led to a row between rival operators. SeaFrance said P&O staff could
not handle a manual check-in.
The computerised system was restored by 0930 BST, P&O said.
But sailings were running an hour late as a result of the earlier problems, P&O
said.
The system was out of action from 0730 BST on Friday.
'Always on strike'
A spokesman for P&O said: "Unfortunately the problems in Dover were caused by a
glitch in our call-handling system, which is used to check in traffic and
allocate lanes in the port.
"Unfortunately, it was the first busy week of the school holidays.
"There is a lot of tourist traffic but not too much freight."
Earlier, SeaFrance said large queues of passengers for its services had formed
as a result of the fault.
"Unfortunately [P&O's] staff are not trained to handle a manual check in," it
said in a statement.
"Although SeaFrance is able to process traffic as normal, long queues into the
port itself are preventing traffic booked with the operator from accessing its
check-in booths."
Traffic gridlock
The P&O spokesman responded: "From a company that never causes problems - their
crews are always on strike and they have a history of causing mayhem in the
Channel - it's a bit cheeky to say the least."