Hgv and psv traffic up
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THE PORT of Dover reported another good year's trading in 1983 with traffic through the port significantly up on the previous year. In particular, coach passengers increased by seven per cent and freight by over 13 per cent.
"These results further reinforce the claim of the port to be the world's principal international drive-on passenger and freight terminal," said the chairman, Sir Frederic Bolton, in his annual report.
"The port now handles 700,000 freight lorries and a greater value of trade than any other UK port. It is therefore unfortunate that roads and signs to Dover are still inadequate or incomplete," Sir Frederic added.
The Board's turnover rose in 1983 by 12 per cent and its pretax profit increased to £6.5 million. Funds generated from operations amounted to £8.5 million and these funds, together with new bank loans, were used to finance a substantial programme of investment in port facilities of £9.6 million.
Work continued during 1983 on extensive developments, in
cluding increased and improved foot and coach passenger facilities. Costing over £8 million, the overall development will become operational progressively during 1984.
The cost of development projects equals the Board's total revenue for 1983, representing nearly four times its 1983 profit before taxation, said Sir Frederic. "By such investment, we are confident that we can cater — at an improved level — for all traffic well into the next century at no cost to the public purse."