Felixstowe queues cut by email alerts
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By Chris Tindall THOUSANDS OF hauliers regularly using the Port of Felixstowe have escaped the frustration caused by Operation Stack, after an email alert service was set up to provide them with prior warning.
The port said the stacking of LGVs on the old A45 outside the town had been used only once since January, compared with anywhere between six and 10 occasions a year in previous years.
It said improved communications with the haulage industry had radically reduced the need to roll out the controversial congestion-busting measure.
However, it also said its email notiication service, which has more than 2,000 subscribers and can be signed up to on the port’s website, does not provide a complete solution and it will continue to hone its alert systems.
“I would never say never, and I wouldn’t want to be complacent, but we have only had one Operation Stack this year, [and that was] in April,” said a port spokesman.
“The use of both our VBS [vehicle booking system] and alert system has demonstrably reduced instances of Operation Stack.” The spokesman added: “I wouldn’t say we have solved the problem, but we are now able to handle these issues better.” Peter Cullum, head of international affairs at the Road Haulage Association, said it regularly meets with the port authorities. “There’s no doubt that communications have improved markedly over the years; everyone is much better informed these days,” he said.