Freight traffic to mainland Europe falls by 19%

Date: 1/7/2009

Source: roadtraffic-technology.com

According to new figures released by the Department for Transport (DfT) the total number of goods vehicles travelling from Great Britain to mainland Europe in the first quarter of 2009 has fallen by 19% when compared to the same period last year.

The number of powered vehicles travelling to mainland Europe dropped by 18% compared with last year, while unaccompanied trailers experienced a 22% decrease.

According to the Channel Tunnel operator Eurotunnel, the drop is attributed to the reduced capacity of the tunnel following a fire in September 2008. However, figures showing an increase in traffic usually travelling through the tunnel have placed some doubt on this claim.

Keywords: Freight, Traffic management