New terminal likely as lorry traffic soars

REDEVELOPMENT: Four berths needed at Western Docks New terminal likely as lorry traffic soars

by Graham Tutthill

PLANS to redevelop the Western Docks with four new ferry berths are being brought forward after an unexpectedly large increase in freight traffic.

Around 9,000 lorries a day are now coming through Dover, and the figure could top 10,000 by the end of the year, according to Dover Harbour Board.

This is an increase of more than 16 per cent over the past year.

Bill Fawcus, from the harbour board, told Dover Joint Transportation Board on Monday the increase in traffic meant the second terminal would now be needed.

"The trigger point has passed. We need to get moving," Mr Fawcus said, "we expect to be coming forward early in the new year with more details for consultation."

The harbour board is also still pursuing proposals for a buffer zone outside the town where lorries could be held during busy times to prevent congestion in the town centre.

"We would like such zones on the A20 and the A2," said Mr Fawcus, "but that is not going to be easy."

He said the zones would not be lorry parks and freight drivers would not be charged for using them.

Cllr Jim Hood said people in Aycliffe were concerned about health problems, noise and fumes if the zone was just south of the estate.

Mr Fawcus would not be drawn on where it might be, but said it would not be near the town.

It is expected that one of the ferry operators will switch from the Eastern Docks to the Western Docks when the new berths are provided.

The harbour board has also been looking at buying land in Snargate Street formerly used by Hoverspeed.

This would allow it to improve road access to the Western Docks and create different exits for vehicles heading for different destinations.

MORE LORRIES EXPECTED

EVEN more lorries could head for Dover when the rail freight subsidy paid to Eurotunnel comes to an end.

Councillors have been told the subsidy will stop in the near future, meaning rail freight companies using the Channel Tunnel will have to pay the full costs.

As a result, more operators may use the cross-Channel ferries from Dover to Calais and Dunkirk, adding to traffic problems on the approaches to the port.

’If we can not get the buffer zone, we need to get moving with Terminal Two. We expect to be coming forward early in the new year with more details

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