Congestion at the Dover port crossing is said to be costing transport businesses £800 per lorry, with perishable goods hauliers in the UK complaining that excessive wait times are causing products to spoil.

Long lines for transporters have formed as a result of the suspension of P&O ferry services at the terminal, as well as Easter traffic, IT challenges, and severe weather.

Perishable goods haulers now want to be given first priority at the bustling port in Kent.

Some members of the British Meat Processors Association (BMPA) have had to wait more than 24 hours to enter into mainland Europe, causing meat and other perishables to spoil.

Ferry suspensions, which came after P&O terminated almost 800 seafarers without warning, had coupled with other concerns to produce a “perfect storm” of problems with the export process, according to a BMPA representative.

“The authorities’ goal should be to let truckers carrying perishable goods get through as swiftly as possible,” they stated.

If this trend continues, money will be lost, waste will be created, and business will be destroyed.

“We need the authorities to conduct an immediate review of the matter and take appropriate action.”

Eardley International, a meat transporter, said lorries were taking “20 to 25 hours to cross the Channel.”

Graham Eardley, the company’s director, explained that the company, situated in Lockerbie, Scotland, imports fresh beef from the United Kingdom into Europe.

According to him, the delays were costing the company up to £800 each vehicle.