Port must have better access
Friday, April 23, 2004
Dover is a world class port, but it will decline if transport links are not improved. This was the message presented to Transport Minister Tony McNulty on a visit to Dover on Saturday. Mr McNulty met with MP Gwyn Prosser, Euro MEP Mark Watts and representatives from Dover Harbour Board. He heard how Dover Harbour Board has been given an EU Interreg grant of £500,000 to explore the re-introduction of rail freight to Dover.
Mr Prosser and Dover Harbour Board also spoke to the minister about the need to improve the A20 and A2 road links, in particular by dualling the last seven miles of the A2.
"The key impression I got was of the importance of the port for the UK and the importance of growth and development of the facility for the town," said Mr McNulty. "I have listened to the issues today with great care and will take them back. If nothing happens, then Gwyn Prosser will make sure he stays on the case, as a sound representative of Dover."
Mr Prosser added that he hoped a solution to the problems of bringing the high-speed rail link to Kent was imminent. The design of trains for the Channel Tunnel Rail Link is currently not suitable to be run through Shakespeare tunnel. The solution involves moving the track inside the tunnel leaving space for an emergency walkway in the event of a breakdown.
Mr Prosser said: "I have been told recently that the expense is less than first thought. I have still to receive the final report from Network Rail, but we are pressing hard with them and the Strategic Rail Authority to bring that important link to Dover."
Howard Holt, head of corporate affairs at Dover Harbour Board, added that the £500,000 grant would allow the board to research every scenario for the growth of the port. He said: "We could have the best port in the world here, but if it's not connected then the traffic just cannot get here and we won't have an excellent port. We need improved rail connections and the A2 and A20 are substandard, compared with the access routes to the Channel Tunnel."
Source: Dover Mercury, 22/04/04
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