Dover, UK: New figures for ro-ro traffic suggest that outbound lorry traffic for this month is at 98% of last February’s levels, according to a report by the BBC.
The report says that inbound traffic levels are at 99% of last year’s levels.
The figures seen by the BBC show that about 80-90% of laden lorries are arriving border-ready.
However, analysis of data from ferry manifests, port traffic, the Channel Tunnel, French officials and Kent Permit checks – also shows:
- significantly lower traffic in January
- a notable rise in the number of empty lorries returning from Great Britain to the European Union, and
- specific industries clearly affected by the end of the Brexit transition period
Road Haulage Association policy director Duncan Buchanan said there were some improved flows to the EU as expected after five weeks but a shortage of customs agents and a lack of skills was a big constraint. “April will be a big test for inbound traffic,” he said.
And Rod McKenzie, RHA managing director of policy, disputed the “back to normal” assertion. He said: ”The fact is that 50% of EU bound lorries are empty. That’s not freight movement that’s fresh air movement and trade is being lost on those trips – so it’s not “back to normal”.
