News

The beautiful countryside between Dover and Folkestone could have helped the area avoid hundreds of lorries parking at purpose built sites close to the Channel port.

Consultants advising the Port of Dover on its plans for providing a lorry parking buffer zone between Folkestone and Dover for the day-to-day management of truck traffic have finally concluded that no sites are likely to be viable.

The key problem is the fact that much of the land sits in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The way forward is now likely to be found in the Terminal 2 Western Docks development, which will offer a partial solution by doubling berth side parking capacity within the port area. However, the new facilities won't be operational until 2012 and the Freight Transport Association believes it still won't provide enough parking spaces.

Meanwhile, a company constructing a secure truck park in Calais, says it is looking at more potential sites around Europe, including the UK. Holland-based All4Trucks claims the stop in northern France - on a 7.5ha site near the ferry and tunnel terminals on the intersection of the A16 and A1 - will open in November 2008.

The facility will feature secure guarded parking for 300 trucks, 17 double pumps for diesel, gas oil and diesel dye, and a 200-seat restaurant with bar, shop and TV rooms. It will also provide internet access and washing areas. The first hour's parking will be free, with €2 charged per hour after that. An overnight stay will be €16, while a weekend stay will be €20. Paul Hicks, UK and Ireland sales manager at All4Trucks, tells MT that the company is looking to develop a network of about 20 facilities across the Continent.