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Kent ferry services set to resume normal schedule as Calais strike called off

09:00, 03 April 2014

updated: 09:01, 03 April 2014

The industrial strike in Calais affecting Kent passengers has been called off as delays continue.

Ferry passengers have suffered queues after a strike at Calais closed the French port.

Services on MyFerryLink, DFDS Seaways and P&O reported delays on routes to Calais.

Lorries backing up along the M20 at Junction 11a for the Channel Tunnel at Cheriton. Picture: Highways Agency
Lorries backing up along the M20 at Junction 11a for the Channel Tunnel at Cheriton. Picture: Highways Agency

Traffic has also built up at Folkestone throughout the day, where delays are being reported for the Eurotunnel.

Traffic was building up on the M20 at Cheriton for the Channel Tunnel with scores of lorries queuing up on the inside lane at around 2.15pm and a police 4x4 led a rolling roadblock between Ashford and Folkestone.

Last night, some ferry workers were "stood down" as the strike got under way just before midnight.

But this has caused chaos for passengers and traffic flow in Dover.

A spokesman for Kent Police said that operation stack has not been implemented.

P&O's Spirit of France
P&O's Spirit of France

MP Charlie Elphicke tweeted: "It is unacceptable and inexcusable that misery should be caused to thousands of travellers by strikes in Calais."

Tim Waggott, the chief executive at the Port of Dover, said: "Our entire focus is on mitigating the impact of this industrial action for our paying customers and the community of Kent."

After 2.30pm, P&O Ferries tweeted: "The Industrial Action in Calais is now over, we are currently working hard to return to our normal schedule."

They added that roads are still "heavily congested" in and around Calais.

Just before 3pm, DFDS Seaways tweeted: "The industrial action in Calais has just been called off.

"DFDS are now working to return the schedule back to normal."

MyFerryLink also tweeted: "Good news! The strike in Calais is over. We will be working to restore normal service as quickly as possible."


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