Port of Dover gives 'cautious welcome' to EU plans

Officials at Dover ferry port have given a cautious welcome to new EU legislation that is intended to offer more financial protection to passengers with regards to loss or damage of property, service cancellations or delays.

Chief executive Bob Goldfield said the Port of Dover would work with ferry companies to ensure that both operators and passengers get a fair deal, but stressed that Dover and its partners "already tick many of the boxes under discussion".

He pointed out that the frequency of ferry crossings with the likes of Seafrance and P&O Ferries makes service cancellation less of a problem at Dover than at other ports.

"If a service with one operator is cancelled there will be another with the same carrier within a few hours at most," Mr Goldfield said.

"And with a choice of routes available – to Calais and Dunkerque and with further services being introduced to Boulogne and Dieppe next year – the Port of Dover can get passengers on their way quickly and efficiently in the event of cancellations."

The chief executive also said that lost luggage is more of an issue for air travellers than ferry passengers, seeing as the latter generally travel in their own vehicles.

Mr Goldfield concluded by saying that the port will await the official EU proposals before starting work with operators to "improve the experience enjoyed by all ferry passengers using the Port of Dover's services".

Dover - Calais

1 x Foot Passenger(s) Return

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03/06/2012 - 03/06/2012

£13

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Dunkerque - Dover

Car + 2 Return

Travelling on:

15/06/2012 - 15/06/2012

£19

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Dunkerque - Dover

Car + 4 Return

Travelling on:

14/06/2012 - 14/06/2012

£19

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