The United Kingdom’s trade intermingles with the European Union. Some 43% of all exports (£294 billion) go to the EU, while 52% of its imports (£374 billion) come from there. A quarter of all this trade passes through an under sea tunnel that France is closing for 48 hours for safety reasons. The United Kingdom now faces the enigma what happens when COVID closes that Channel Tunnel.
Massive Congestion When COVID Closes the Channel Tunnel
Most of the freight is in unaccompanied containers that trucks deliver to ports. However, the very urgent perishable stuff is in the back of 6,000 trucks, passing through the tunnel every day on shuttles with their drivers. The approach roads are already transient ‘parking lots’ just keeping head above water. But, when COVID closes the Channel Tunnel the traffic has to go elsewhere.
The UK government already has an emergency strategy called Operation Stack. This kicks in if bad weather, industrial action, fire or derailments close the tunnel. However, there are additional complications with much of the South of England in lockdown, although the food must still flow.
Embargo on Traveling to Ports in Kent or Other Routes to France
The UK transport secretary urged lorry drivers and motorists to stay away from ports in Kent from where the Channel Tunnel connects. However, he added ‘most of freight is not accompanied, and that can still flow of course’ in containers.
But there was a different picture emerging from Brittany Ferries according to BBC News. They say their thirteen ferries may not transport unaccompanied freight vehicles.
Perhaps you should think again in the light of what may be a warning of worse to come, if you are a pandemic denier. COVID-19 is going to hit your pocket whatever your take on it. We sincerely hope it does not affect your health too.
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Preview Image: HGV Shuttle Leaving Tunnel
