MEP Colm Markey calls on hauliers to utilise ferry services to continent

New MEP for the Midlands North-West constituency, Colm Markey, has expressed concern about the delays hauliers could face using the land bridge to access the continent.

MEP Markey urged traders to consider the use of new and existing ferry routes as an alternative to the UK land bridge given the risks associated with delays and increased paperwork.

MEP Markey pointed to the Government’s recently published 14 step guide to meeting the land bridge’s regulatory requirements as a testament to the challenges that industry will face from January 1st, 2021.

“This guide identifies the challenges and steps exporters will have to overcome when using the land bridge to reach Belgium.

“My message to exporters is that if you intend to use the land bridge, you must consider all 14 steps laid out in this communication.”

MEP Markey continued: “Exporters need to recognise that a direct ferry may actually prove to be more reliable and economical when you factor in potential delays.”

Welcoming the recently announced new direct ferry from Rosslare to Dunkirk, MEP Markey said there is significant unused capacity and a willingness by ferry companies to provide additional capacity if required.

While acknowledging the longer journey times, MEP Markey said he believes the key priority for traders is certainty around delivery times.

“The risk of getting caught up in lengthy delays and possible administrative issues surrounding paperwork makes the land bridge the less attractive option,” he said.

MEP Markey further highlighted that having a route from Rosslare directly to Dunkirk gives traders much needed transport options.

He outlined that the routes offer direct access to key continental markets like France, Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands.

“Having a direct route to these markets is invaluable. The EU accounts for 50% of our exports, and much of the goods we export end up in these four markets – the opening of direct ferry routes to continental Europe is a huge step in the right direction,” MEP Markey concluded.

ENDS