Campaign launched to avoid more cross channel ferry chaos

Kent County Council has begun a campaign to avoid future disruptions to cross channel ferry services and road transport in south-east England as a result of French strikes.

The initiative, entitled Enough is Enough, was launched following blockades of French ports by fishermen this week that forced P&O Ferries, Seafrance and LD Lines to suspend ferries from Dover to Calais, Boulogne and Dunkerque.

People travelling on the M20 in Kent were also affected by the action as lorries bound for France had to be parked on the motorway to prevent congestion in Dover.

Kent County Council said it will work with partners including LD Lines and P&O Ferries to urge the government to claim compensation from France for the disruption caused to British people and the economy.

Council leader Paul Carter said: "When you consider the misery caused to tens of thousands of Kent people affected by the strikes and the impact on their businesses and travel plans, it is time to say enough is enough and show that we cannot and will not put up with these situations any longer."

The fishermen blockaded Calais following a dispute over fishing quotas and eventually ended their protest after receiving an offer of €4 million (£3.5 million) in aid from the French government.

Written by Andrew Smith