P&O orders new ferries as family motoring holiday makes a comeback

The traditional family motoring holiday on the continent is enjoying a comeback, triggering an order for huge new ferries by P & O.

The increasing popularity of cross-Channel travel by ferry has resulted in P & O signing a £285 million order for two new ships, which will be the biggest ever used on the route.

The first will come into service in December next year and the other in September 2011, making it possible for the company to handle 3,000 more cars a day - a 20 per cent capacity increase.

If demand continues to increase, P & O is ready to buy two more cross-channel vessels, each capable of carrying 900 cars - rather than the 600 on the craft they are replacing.

"Business dipped with the arrival of low cost airlines four to five years ago," a company spokesman said.

"There was a downturn in people taking their cars abroad, but this seems to have reversed as people get disillusioned with airport hassle."

Prices have also dropped, making it possible to take a car and family across the channel for a fortnight family holiday for around £100, even at peak times.

A few years ago, a family would have had to pay £300 for the same trip.