Dover ferry operators ask govt to address road congestion

The Port of Dover and three major ferry operators are asking the government and the Highways Agency to take action to prevent severe congestion during the peak summer holiday season.

P&O Ferries, DFDS Seaways and Seafrance have come together to raise an issue regarding lane restrictions at the Roundhill tunnel in Folkestone, which could lead to substantial daily traffic as holidaymakers head to Dover.

The lane restrictions have been caused by failed expansion joints on the Roundhill viaduct.

"A permanent repair to the fault is several months away and so the need to provide an adequate temporary solution is becoming critical if the key route to the UK's busiest ferry port is to cope with the anticipated volumes of traffic through the busy summer season," the Port of Dover said in a statement.

The operating company recommended using bridging units to allow both lanes of the carriageway to open and also encouraged travellers to use the M2/A2 route to Dover if possible, rather than going through Folkestone.

Dozens of daily crossings take place on the Dover to Calais ferry route, which provides a crucial link between the UK and Europe.

Travellers can also catch ferries from Dover to Dunkerque with DFDS Seaways/Norfolkline.

Posted by Mark Robinson

Calais - Dover

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£12

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Dover - Calais

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£25

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Calais - Dover

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03/06/2013 - 03/06/2013

£19

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