The gridlock you see approaching Dover was planned for during Brexit and there have been past issues but not to the current extent.
Holidaymakers were given priority, with most commercial vehicles parked up on the M20 and subject to long delays. Even so, 6 or 7 hours for families to get to the ferry port became the norm, longer for some.
Issues also arose at Folkestone Eurotunnel, not helped by an accident on the M20, along with queues on the M2. Neither were problems restricted to South coast ports, with ample cancelled flights at airports.
The 2022 getaway, triggered by the school break has proven to be more of a crawlaway for many. The outcome for them has been unpleasant, although there are wider implications of transport failure.
An Unwanted Image
We are an international removals company and one that plans well, every effort would be made to avoid delay but this is still possible. The impact on more general freight movement is less avoidable and stark.
This will not encourage trade, or investment, neither do the delays make us appear a good place to visit. To support our economy, tourism needs to work in both directions, along with people choosing to come for employment.
Staff shortages are part of the reason for our transport problems, triggered by Brexit and Covid lay offs. We need to appear a great country to work in, not one where the choice will bring hassle and stress.
Technology sees news spreads rapidly across the globe and images of long queues, along with high fuel prices and proposed strikes are not helpful.
A Better Way Forward
Even senior airline staff talk of gradual decline, with periods of chaos caused by that decline and investment decisions. Providers are pushing for low prices with larger profits, which requires deep cuts.
This is not restricted to air travel, the P & O debacle is still fresh in mind. Investment in ferry ports and airports is badly needed, along with high quality recruitment programs and belief in a stable future.
Creating that belief starts with government, who in terms of European travel and transport have a fine opportunity. We could find ways to work with the EU, rather than putting a bill through parliament to cancel a treaty we just signed.
Off course there are two sides, French authorities played a part in the Dover delays but we need to rebuild the relationship, not the opposite.
Government can also help practically, from speeding up security clearances, to opening up travel for work, to encouraging investment. Corporate behaviour is ultimately led by the scenario they operate in.
International Opportunity
The UK needs to reinstate a positive reputation. A fair share of current issues are not our fault, from Covid to the war in Ukraine but some are.
People are at the heart of success and not only corporate investors. Staff at all levels matter, who need to be attracted by a good place to work, rather than one where strife and stress lead to high sickness rates.
The reality is that Britain is a great place to come, we are a stable, welcoming country. The goods and services we supply are of high quality, our legal, financial and employment systems are trustworthy.
Other countries can be fine places to live and if you need an international removal, we will offer an example of that high quality service. This could however be for a holiday home, where you will need to be able to travel freely.
Our business is about movement, local, or international. The current queues will ease, all we want to see is cooperation and forward thinking to keep them away.
