Customs men get bigger say in Dover plans
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CUSTOMS and Excise officers will be co-operating in the future development of the port of Dover after a meeting last week aimed at avoiding confrontation between the port users and customs.
---Dan Soppin The meeting, between Dover Harbour Board, the port users and the Customs and Excise officers, was held after the port users threatened to block the port in protest at the operation of the new computer-controlled clearance system.
Dover's collector of customs, Jack Webb, told users that he was not satisfied with the situation "particularly in view of Dover's proven record for efficiency and service", but he asked for more cooperation from users over pre-entering of documents.
The meeting was the result of an ultimatum issued by the users after an I8-month row over clearance times at the port. Users had complained about unpredictability and in consistency in the new system known as CPT.
They have complained that, unlike with the earlier SPE system, it was now difficult for drivers or transport companies to schedule movements.
After the meeting at Dover, representatives of the port users said that they would wait to see what action was taken to remedy the situation in the short term — but they warned that the situation would not be tolerated for long.
Dover Harbour Board director of operations Don Soppitt has told Customs and Excise officers that good intentions should be converted into fast and effective action before the port's freight movements reached their autumn peak.