Channel Tunnel operator reports drop in vehicle numbers
The operator behind the Channel Tunnel might be convinced it is ready for Brexit, but customers are not so sure, new data showed on Thursday.
Getlink, formerly known as Eurotunnel, said that since January 1 almost 2.1 million passenger vehicles have crossed the Channel with Le Shuttle. That is down 2% on last year and “due to the delay and uncertainty around Brexit even though border controls will not be changed”.
Some travellers have been nervous about making bookings amid uncertainty about when Britain will actually leave the EU, and owing to concerns about delays at borders in the event of a no-deal Brexit.
Getlink last month sought to reassure Brits it has made investments to prevent border delays, saying it has been working with the British and French governments to give the fastest route “no matter the outcome on October 31”.
The firm’s update today said 238,119 passenger vehicles used the service in September — a 1% fall from a year earlier.
Truck traffic in September decreased 7% “mainly due to a slowdown in UK consumption and in the German economy”.
