Port of Dover mobilises workforce to aide stranded Eurostar passengers

22 December 2009

The port’s travel centre stayed open through the night with extra lounges and rest area’s opened up for passenger comfort. The Port of Dover staff volunteers and police were also on hand all night to answer any questions from tired travellers. The Red Cross were asked to assist with blankets and hot drinks while ferry operator staff kept their desks open to assist foot passengers. 

An extra bus service have been laid on to and from Dover Priory station and the port has worked with Eurostar to get returning travellers onto coaches so they can continue their journey back home.

Commenting on the work done by staff at the Port, Bob Goldfield, the Port of Dover’s Chief Executive, said:  “Despite the increased number of passengers heading through the port our staff have embraced the challenge and travellers have expressed their appreciation of the extra effort made to keep them informed and comfortable. We were happy to help those people who passed through the port and ensure their Christmas holiday got off to a better start. We wish all our passengers a safe onward journey.”    

Passengers are advised to check with their ferry operator or Eurostar before travelling to the Port and we ask that people do not come to the port without a ticket or reservation.

The Port has helped around 52,000 passengers per day to the continent over the past 3 days, with 10,000 cars and 300 coaches passing through per day.