Advice for Ferry Passengers by Dover Port Authorities
Once you reach port to board ferries to France, you may feel troubled with security, but sorry, it’s mandatory. You’re obliged to follow the security systems arranged by port authorities. Something that you can never avoid is showing up your Passport/Visa to an officer of the French Police aux Frontières to validate your permission to enter France before you check-in ferry at cheap ferries terminals. HM Revenue & Customs or Kent Police Special Branch has full authority in checking your car and baggage may be searched by an officer or even stopped and questioned for enquiry.
For security reasons, you may be questioned even after you have disembarked from a ferry in Dover. Instructions given by port authorities should be complied thoroughly. In the process of regular checks port authorities strive their best not to create any unacceptable delay to passengers swift check-in and boarding arrangements. Passengers are requested not to leave any baggage unattended at any time in order to avoid security alerts. Since the port handle millions of cars, freight vehicles, coaches and passengers every year.
For safety of passengers some steps are expected to follow as laid by port authorities. These are simple advise given by port authorities to moving traffic in port premises. Car passengers are advised not to speed up beyond 20 mph and it’s maximum speed limit set for vehicle passengers in the Port. Traffic laws apply in the docks and petrol can police any passenger are policed. Be careful whilst driving and take a watch for pedestrians.
Passengers are asked not leave doors open when they’re waiting in the assembly lanes as this may obstruct passengers walking to the front of lanes. You may have left vehicle and move to make use of port facilities you’ll have to walk directly so as to get connected with black and white walkways. As pedestrians do not get automatic priority on these walkways they must be used with absolute care.
Be careful and do not walk across the lanes as you may hinder the way of freight drivers and traffic may move at any time. Never cross in front of the ramps which lead to the ships or to the exit roads, but continue your path on footpaths and black and white walk ways. Vehicles, which are driving on or off the ferries are always busy and never try to walk through the lines of vehicles.
Usually a loading officer stops the traffic to let you pass so it’s advisable to wait for his signalling. Do not walk into cargo handling areas. Do not leave children alone always escort them and also ball games are not permitted on the assembly lanes. These are some of the simple precautions that must be taken in order to enter and exit port premises without any hassle or risk to life.
