I keep seeing posts worrying about ESS, well we got stopped at Poole for excess radiation levels!
The customs guy said "don't worry, it will only take 5 mins, take your place in the queue". After about 45 minutes a guy came along with a stick measuring the wafts of radiated emissions coming from our van, he asked "if we had just opened the windows, as that affects the readings". We explained as we had been sitting there for 45 minutes in the heat, so we had to open the windows!
During this period I googled why the thing with radiation was happening and apparently they were looking for may-be terrorists smuggling in radioactive isotopes. I asked the guy what he was looking for and he was very coy about answering. I asked if it was because we ate too much French cheese, no answer! What about the wine, had that effected our radioactive levels? No answer. I then decided to ask him if he was aware of the French paradox, (by this time he realised he just may not be getting home too soon) he then gave up and left our van and caravan, saying that "sometimes the port xray thing machine blips and gets it wrong".
Meanwhile the port official locked the gates to the ferry terminal that everyone had left by.
We were the last people to leave the ferry terminal, with the message ringing in our ears that "we may be stopped again in the future".
We got home around 2am and no, no one asked for any ESS details.
------------- sueze
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
As well is two words!
How does a sage know everything about everything? or does he? or does he just think he does?
Remember, if you buy something you bought it, not brought it.
AI says:
“Many international ports use specialized radiation detection frameworks (such as the UK's Cyclamen system) to scan…[etc]
The Cause: These highly sensitive sensors routinely trigger alarms for perfectly legal, everyday cargo. Common culprits include ceramics, cat litter, granite, certain fertilizers, or even a passenger who recently underwent specific medical procedures (like a thyroid scan or cancer treatment involving radioactive isotopes).”
Who knew, eh?
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: Hah, ha, hah to ESS stops.
via mobile 09/9/2026 at 10:58pm
