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Liverpool Po H O
Page 28
Page 29
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promises to act
peel Ports Group (PPG), which runs the Port of Liverpool, is promising to spend £4m on the terminal — and many CM readers say the cash can't come too soon because conditions there have deteriorated badly over the past couple of years. Many are now saying delays at the port are costing them valuable time and money.
Just over three weeks ago the Port of Liverpool was given the green light for a £90m expansion programme designed to double its container capacity by 2010.The government has described it as "the most significant development for the Port of Liverpool" for 40 years.
The development will provide significantly more work for the logistics sector, hut operators and drivers alike are still demanding immediate changes amid rising tension about the current state of the Seaforth container terminal. John McGan-ie from McGarrie Transport says he is having to wait up to three hours when he delivers to the port; he believes there aren't enough straddler drivers. He describes the situation as "chaotic" (see panel for more driver and operator opinions).
Surge in traffic
PPG says container operations have been affected by a 25% surge in traffic, following the four-day closure of the main access lock to the Royal Seaforth Terminal and the consequent backlog and bunching of ships and their cargos.
It also admits that turnaround time for vehicles has been affected at peak times and says that steps are being taken under a £4m terminal enhancement programme.
PPG marketing director Frank Robotham says: "We understand the frustration caused to the haulage industry when problems arise, but it has our assurance that measures are being taken to resolve the situation. I am confident that over the next few months, our haulage customers will notice a significant improvement in cycle times during peak periods."
The port claims that turnaround times for trucks have averaged 50 minutes over the past week. Disgruntled drivers dispute this. saying this time is measured from when the vehicle enters the container part of the docks until it conies out not taking into account the paperwork and the time spent queuing outside.
Another issue brought up by a driver who wishes to remain anonymous is the lack of driver facilities: "When queuing up to sort out paperwork we're treated worse than cattle.The waiting space is tiny,it only has one toilet and the ventilation makes it unbearable sometimes."
PPG has promised CM that it will review these facilities.
Having spoken to angry drivers and operators at the port and seen the situation first-hand, it is clear the problems they complain of are real.
PPG says it takes operators' needs seriously and that measures are being put in place to resolve some of' the issues.This cannot happen overnight but PPG would he well advised to act soon, before operators are forced to consider how much business they can afford to do through Liverpool docks. •