Tunnel Green Paper continued from page 19
Page 22
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normally carry trains in one direction but they could operate in either direction and there would be cross-overs.
The English terminal would be at Cheriton but it is not proposed to provide warehousing or distribution facilities there.
Services would include both full train loads and Freightliner-type container services direct to and from inland centres as well as road /rail services.
"With the emphasis on the former, major rail/freight facilities would not need to be provided near the tunnel," the Green Paper says. "Both types of service, by moderating the use of our roads. by heavy lorries carrying Continental freight would make an appreciable contribution to the environment." Arguing the case for a tunnel, the Green Paper points out that freight traffic across the channel has increased since 1965 by 50 per cent and the number of goods vehicles and trailers at least as fast. "There are no signs of any slow-down," it adds. Forecasts showed that "business traffic" would increase by 85 per cent by 1980, at an annual average of 8 per cent and more than triple by 1990.
Dover and Folkestone ferries at present carry about 64 per cent of all vehicles and trailers. "This traffic is increasing rapidly; the number of freight lorries using Dover in 1972 was up as much as 43 per cent on 1971," says the Green Paper.
"The basic point we will have to decide: can we best provide for this by continuing to rely solely by developing existing forms of transport or by supplementing them with a Channel Tunnel? We are not merely examining yet again an old idea — we are looking for the right answer to a very pressing modern problem."
The Government expects the results of present studies to be available in April. A decision whether to proceed further will be needed by the end of July.
• A Bill providing minimum financial powers for initial works would be needed this session and the necessary powers for completion and operation of the tunnel would be sought in legislation next session in the form of a hybrid Bill, providing an opportunity for objectors to make their case before a select committee of MPs.