The Port of Dover, together with sister ports in France, handles £100 billion of UK/European trade each year and represents a principal trade route between the UK and mainland Europe.

Tim Waggott, Chief Executive, Port of Dover, says:

“The 2.5 million freight vehicles that carry this trade through the French ports to and from Dover are the lifeblood of our economy.  As such, our haulage community deserve to be able to go about their business safely and without the growing personal or financial risk associated with it.

“They choose to come via sea to Dover and via Eurotunnel on this key European corridor because it is simply the quickest, most efficient and cost effective way for trade to move. 

“Factoring in the ‘just in time’ nature of the deliveries as well as driving hours, most hauliers and their consignments will be committed to this route and there are no other ports with the required capacity or infrastructure to cope with any diversion of such high volumes.

“Trade on this route has grown by 20% in the past two years, a sign of the economic recovery that is taking place.  That growth is continuing and we must not jeopardise this.

“Today we add our weight to the call to protect our vital haulage industry and the greatly valued freight drivers who are vital to keeping the UK and Europe moving.”

ENDS

Issued by Corporate Affairs on 01304 240400 (ext. 4410 from 8.30 – 17.00)