Whats happening at Calais?
Discussion
Been hearing stories of great hassle crossing the channel, due to bridge falling down or a ferry hitting a dock, or something. It's causing chaos, apparently.
Bit bothered 'cos I'm travelling to France in a weeks time. Going over shouldn't be too bad 'cos I'm crossing 10pm Saturday night, but returning following Friday at 10 am.which I guess would be a peak time. Could do with not being held up on the return journey.
Does anyone have any solid info on what's occuring?
Cheers,
Heebee.
Bit bothered 'cos I'm travelling to France in a weeks time. Going over shouldn't be too bad 'cos I'm crossing 10pm Saturday night, but returning following Friday at 10 am.which I guess would be a peak time. Could do with not being held up on the return journey.
Does anyone have any solid info on what's occuring?
Cheers,
Heebee.
I'm from Dover (really don't like admitting that but on this occasion it's relevant)!
A ramp at Calais gave way with a lorry on it and is taking some time to repair. Having checked the other ramps they have all been found to have the same weakness so therefore all have to be taken out of action one by one in order to undergo preventative. It's causing some pretty hefty delays and is not helped by the way that the French authorities are carrying on. Just to add insult to injury the french dock workers trade union are also holding strikes just about whenever they feel like it.
On this side of the channel they often implement "Operation Stack" where part of the southbound M20 becomes a lorry park. I've only found this to be a problem at rush hours, when the alternative route (the A20) can't cope. Unfortunately, the delays at Calais don't seem to be predictable. The Channel Tunnel and the "Speed Ferries" route to Boulogne are not affected and it may be worth trying to book on them.
The problems are allegedly costing P&O ferries about £1,000,000 per day. This is on top of the pots of money that they are already losing. The smart money is on P&O selling their ferry business as soon as they can find someone to buy it - the latest rumour involves Richard Branson!
>> Edited by anonymous-user on Thursday 31st March 20:24
A ramp at Calais gave way with a lorry on it and is taking some time to repair. Having checked the other ramps they have all been found to have the same weakness so therefore all have to be taken out of action one by one in order to undergo preventative. It's causing some pretty hefty delays and is not helped by the way that the French authorities are carrying on. Just to add insult to injury the french dock workers trade union are also holding strikes just about whenever they feel like it.
On this side of the channel they often implement "Operation Stack" where part of the southbound M20 becomes a lorry park. I've only found this to be a problem at rush hours, when the alternative route (the A20) can't cope. Unfortunately, the delays at Calais don't seem to be predictable. The Channel Tunnel and the "Speed Ferries" route to Boulogne are not affected and it may be worth trying to book on them.
The problems are allegedly costing P&O ferries about £1,000,000 per day. This is on top of the pots of money that they are already losing. The smart money is on P&O selling their ferry business as soon as they can find someone to buy it - the latest rumour involves Richard Branson!
>> Edited by anonymous-user on Thursday 31st March 20:24
I'm going next week on the Eurostar...ahh the excitment, the romance, as I zoom across the home counties at speeds approaching 40mph, before disappearing into a large hole in the ground only to re-emerge in a strange land where they eat garden pests but their trains go reaaaaaaalllllllly fast.
simpo two said:
Mulberry Harbours, that's what you need...
Ha! They'd never manage that again, what with computers and all. Can you imagine a company nowadays, with all the know-how, still managing to get the piers to rise and fall with the tide, in sea water? No chance.
I've already booked with P&O. They've got an offer on, you can cross for £60. I can see why, now. No mention that I will be delayed. Speed ferries have a notice stating they're not operating when I want to travel.
I bet the Pope and Prince Ranier will both snuff it at much the same time, (I'm nipping down to Monte), so I can see the whole of France and Monaco being shut!
The first time we went to Monaco Princess Grace had died, so the whole place was shut.
Hey ho. I suppose I could cope with delays of 45 mins and 30 mins, hope no worse than that.
Bloody public transport, eh?
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