Friday, 26 April 2024
WWW.DOVERFORUM.COM/SEA-NEWS
Sea Pictures from Dover.
Sailing Ships just off Dover: Europa above and De Gallant below...
We have 340 plus pages below now...use our own SEARCH ENGINE just below to help you trawl through. All pictures are the copyright of the owners.
Editor: Paul Boland - dover7@msn.com
WWW.DOVERFORUM.COM/SEA-NEWS
Sea Pictures from Dover.
Sailing Ships just off Dover: Europa above and De Gallant below...
We have 340 plus pages below now...use our own SEARCH ENGINE just below to help you trawl through. All pictures are the copyright of the owners.
Editor: Paul Boland - dover7@msn.com
Post 2788
ColetteB, DOVER
WOW!!! Absolutely Awesome Action shots there of the Dover Lifeboat, albeit at different times of the year, both from Mr B and Sarah H 
That little camera of yours Mr B has proved the point of that little saying, 'A good photographer never blames his tools'
Windows 10 well done that man!!
Ed, terrific array of pix at the ship repair yard in Dunkerque, very interesting to see all that going on over there, I must get over that way myself in 2016 as never been there. Cracking Photos of the old lifeboats at Ramsgate Sarah, really enjoyed seeing them all
Paul
That phrase re fish & women on a bike was coined by Australian Politician Irina Dunn and subsequently used by the feminists as their slogan. U2 even used it in their song 'Tryin to Throw Your Arms Around the World'
Monday, 25 January 2016 - 19:56
That little camera of yours Mr B has proved the point of that little saying, 'A good photographer never blames his tools'
Windows 10 well done that man!!Ed, terrific array of pix at the ship repair yard in Dunkerque, very interesting to see all that going on over there, I must get over that way myself in 2016 as never been there. Cracking Photos of the old lifeboats at Ramsgate Sarah, really enjoyed seeing them all
Paul
That phrase re fish & women on a bike was coined by Australian Politician Irina Dunn and subsequently used by the feminists as their slogan. U2 even used it in their song 'Tryin to Throw Your Arms Around the World'
Monday, 25 January 2016 - 19:56
Post 2787
Sarah, Ramsgate
Here she is in action during August from last year.
Monday, 25 January 2016 - 18:24
Monday, 25 January 2016 - 18:24
Post 2786
Mike J., Dover
Excellent lifeboat pix !
For interesting video of the Dungeness Shannon class lifeboat beaching at speed -
www.youtube.com/watch?v=smZY7el-Ubo
Shannon trials at Dungeness, including the use of the mobile turntable -
www.youtube.com/watch?v=eW-lffZmMpw
Probably many more if you look for them, I know a pal put up a drone view.
At low water the sand goes out for miles & the recovery is more sedate but still very interesting.
Check the tides & give the boathouse a ring to see whether the boat is going out on exercise.
Usually Saturday or Sunday mornings.
Put something in the collecting box for the entertainment !
Monday, 25 January 2016 - 17:12
For interesting video of the Dungeness Shannon class lifeboat beaching at speed -
www.youtube.com/watch?v=smZY7el-Ubo
Shannon trials at Dungeness, including the use of the mobile turntable -
www.youtube.com/watch?v=eW-lffZmMpw
Probably many more if you look for them, I know a pal put up a drone view.
At low water the sand goes out for miles & the recovery is more sedate but still very interesting.
Check the tides & give the boathouse a ring to see whether the boat is going out on exercise.
Usually Saturday or Sunday mornings.
Put something in the collecting box for the entertainment !
Monday, 25 January 2016 - 17:12
Post 2785
Sarah, Ramsgate
Great photos Paul of Dover Lifeboat looks like it was on exercise with its Y Boat.
Monday, 25 January 2016 - 10:30
looks like it was on exercise with its Y Boat.Monday, 25 January 2016 - 10:30
Post 2784
Sea News, Dover
Why we need M20 lorry parking - LETTER FROM LOCAL MP CHARLIE ELPHICKE
______________________________________________________________
The Summer of Operation Stack we suffered last year caused major problems for our community. So too did the Dover gridlock problems earlier in that year.
In both cases people could not get to work. Businesses found it hard to trade. Our local economy suffered.
The solution to the Dover gridlock was the TAP system, which halts port bound traffic outside Dover as busy times. The TAP system counters gridlock and enables local traffic to move more freely within the town.
The planned solution to Operation Stack is lorry parks off the M20. After a hard fought campaign by Kent MPs, the Chancellor agreed to commit £250 million of investment to build the lorry parks we need.
Yet we need to get the lorry parks right. The parks should not just be for emergency parking. They should be an all year round alternative to roadside lay-bys and verges. This matters because our lay-bys are forever full, so people cannot stop in an emergency, and the verges are routinely churned up.
This roadside churning and the shocking amounts of litter costs the taxpayer a fortune to clear up. It makes our roads look dreadful and makes a poor first impression for visitors arriving from Europe. It is also an eyesore for local residents. I am, therefore backing a year round truck stop with shower and toilet facilities so that our roadsides suffer less. I think the parking should be free, which will encourage a higher usage.
However it would make even more sense for the lorry park to be used year round as an advance check in area for Tunnel and Port. That way lorries could be sorted in advance, which would be an effective buffer for capacity constraints at the Tunnel and the Port areas.
We also need to make improvements to the TAP system. The system works well and should be made permanent, but the lights should be moved 200 yards away from Aycliffe to the West. The 40 mph zone should be halved in length and should be made variable. Finally, access to the Port through the TAP should be mandatory, as lorries going down the A2 or sneaking through the town cause real transport problems for our community.
There is also a problem of foreign lorry drivers speeding and driving dangerously. Kent Police routinely fine British drivers who are caught by cameras. Yet the foreign lorry drivers get off shot free. I have been demanding action so that foreign lorry drivers should be fine before leaving Britain. It about fairness - yet it's also about road safety as the number of foreign vehicles caught speeding has doubled in the last two years.
Things are moving forward on the M20/A20. We are taking action to deal with Operation Stack and to prevent gridlock in Dover town. There is more to do, yet an improved TAP system and lorry parks that offer an alternative to roadside verges would make such a positive difference. Tackling speeding foreign lorries will make our roads safer. I have made detailed consultation responses to Highways England on Operation Stack and the TAP system - and called on Kent Police to take action to ensure foreign lorries drive more safely.
Ends
Many thanks to Charlie Elphicke for the above.
and now...Dover Lifeboat yesterday Sunday....
____________________________________
I was lucky to come across the lifeboat yesterday morning on my way back home ..pure chance and there she was literally yards offshore. Just had a little camera with me as she burst into roaring life...powering this way and that. People strolling by ( and we get a lot of sunday morning strollers) in the mist and drizzle got a great free show. I snapped away and hoped for the best with the little camera. PaulB.
A great show by the Lifeboat guys just inches from shore...while the final picture shows how close in to shore they were in the highest of high tides...while this elder jogger powers up and down this section of beach..grinding his way through the punishing pebbles, up and down he went, very fit, seemingly unaware of the Lifeboat Show in progress.
Many thanks to the guys below for all the excellent contributions.
A great collection of pictures below there from ace teamsters Ed Connell and Sarah Hewes.
Great info as ever from Mike J...who started this latest burst of Lifeboat stories off.
Interesting point Vic but alas alas...changing times. There is no going back now.
Yes indeed Jan great to see the wide variety of pictures. PB.
First post with Windows 10...phew!
Monday, 25 January 2016 - 07:46
______________________________________________________________
The Summer of Operation Stack we suffered last year caused major problems for our community. So too did the Dover gridlock problems earlier in that year.
In both cases people could not get to work. Businesses found it hard to trade. Our local economy suffered.
The solution to the Dover gridlock was the TAP system, which halts port bound traffic outside Dover as busy times. The TAP system counters gridlock and enables local traffic to move more freely within the town.
The planned solution to Operation Stack is lorry parks off the M20. After a hard fought campaign by Kent MPs, the Chancellor agreed to commit £250 million of investment to build the lorry parks we need.
Yet we need to get the lorry parks right. The parks should not just be for emergency parking. They should be an all year round alternative to roadside lay-bys and verges. This matters because our lay-bys are forever full, so people cannot stop in an emergency, and the verges are routinely churned up.
This roadside churning and the shocking amounts of litter costs the taxpayer a fortune to clear up. It makes our roads look dreadful and makes a poor first impression for visitors arriving from Europe. It is also an eyesore for local residents. I am, therefore backing a year round truck stop with shower and toilet facilities so that our roadsides suffer less. I think the parking should be free, which will encourage a higher usage.
However it would make even more sense for the lorry park to be used year round as an advance check in area for Tunnel and Port. That way lorries could be sorted in advance, which would be an effective buffer for capacity constraints at the Tunnel and the Port areas.
We also need to make improvements to the TAP system. The system works well and should be made permanent, but the lights should be moved 200 yards away from Aycliffe to the West. The 40 mph zone should be halved in length and should be made variable. Finally, access to the Port through the TAP should be mandatory, as lorries going down the A2 or sneaking through the town cause real transport problems for our community.
There is also a problem of foreign lorry drivers speeding and driving dangerously. Kent Police routinely fine British drivers who are caught by cameras. Yet the foreign lorry drivers get off shot free. I have been demanding action so that foreign lorry drivers should be fine before leaving Britain. It about fairness - yet it's also about road safety as the number of foreign vehicles caught speeding has doubled in the last two years.
Things are moving forward on the M20/A20. We are taking action to deal with Operation Stack and to prevent gridlock in Dover town. There is more to do, yet an improved TAP system and lorry parks that offer an alternative to roadside verges would make such a positive difference. Tackling speeding foreign lorries will make our roads safer. I have made detailed consultation responses to Highways England on Operation Stack and the TAP system - and called on Kent Police to take action to ensure foreign lorries drive more safely.
Ends
Many thanks to Charlie Elphicke for the above.
and now...Dover Lifeboat yesterday Sunday....
____________________________________
I was lucky to come across the lifeboat yesterday morning on my way back home ..pure chance and there she was literally yards offshore. Just had a little camera with me as she burst into roaring life...powering this way and that. People strolling by ( and we get a lot of sunday morning strollers) in the mist and drizzle got a great free show. I snapped away and hoped for the best with the little camera. PaulB.
Many thanks to the guys below for all the excellent contributions.
A great collection of pictures below there from ace teamsters Ed Connell and Sarah Hewes.
Great info as ever from Mike J...who started this latest burst of Lifeboat stories off.
Interesting point Vic but alas alas...changing times. There is no going back now.
Yes indeed Jan great to see the wide variety of pictures. PB.
First post with Windows 10...phew!
Monday, 25 January 2016 - 07:46
Post 2783
Mike J., Dover
Ed's BURGUNDY at Dunkirk - they don't seem to have changed the funnel logo.
I wonder if there's any significance in this - money-saving before early disposal ?
Also an interesting photo of the Dunkirk buoy tender HAUTS DE FRANCE.
The ship that she replaced was quite elderly & rather elegant [if you like old ships].
I've a slide of her underway somewhere, will have a rummage thru the shoebox.
Sarah - excellent sequence of the ex-RNLI 'Lilttle Ships' !
Well done on catching the ADMIRAL DOUGLAS actually moving, I think the only time I saw her underway was off Dover in the 1990s !
Sunday, 24 January 2016 - 23:53
I wonder if there's any significance in this - money-saving before early disposal ?
Also an interesting photo of the Dunkirk buoy tender HAUTS DE FRANCE.
The ship that she replaced was quite elderly & rather elegant [if you like old ships].
I've a slide of her underway somewhere, will have a rummage thru the shoebox.
Sarah - excellent sequence of the ex-RNLI 'Lilttle Ships' !
Well done on catching the ADMIRAL DOUGLAS actually moving, I think the only time I saw her underway was off Dover in the 1990s !
Sunday, 24 January 2016 - 23:53
Post 2782
Ed Connell, Dover
Final shot of Pride of Burgundy taken yesterday and looking a lot better than when she entered drydock.
Sunday, 24 January 2016 - 18:45
Sunday, 24 January 2016 - 18:45
Post 2781
JanT, Dover.
What a great collection of pictures below from all of our roving cameras, you chaps have been busy carry on clicking away I for one enjoy seeing them all.
Sunday, 24 January 2016 - 16:15
Sunday, 24 January 2016 - 16:15
Post 2780
Sarah, Ramsgate
2015 was a great year for seeing old lifeboats at Ramsgate due to the 75th Anniversary of Operation Dynamo however William & Kate Johnston didn't visit all year which was a shame as she is always very popular here.
During the 75th Anniversary of Operation Dynamo we saw the following:-
Prudential/Trimilia - The old Ramsgate Lifeboat - Ramsgate Class Lifeboat
Lucy Lavers - The old Aldeburgh No.2 Lifeboat - Liverpool Class Lifeboat
Ross Woodd & Phyllis Lunn/Dowager - The old Shoreham Lifeboat - Watson Class Lifeboat
Mary Scott - The old Southwold No.1 Lifeboat - Norfolk & Suffolk Class Lifeboat
Cecil & Lilian Philpott/Stenoa - The old Newhaven Lifeboat - Watson Class Lifeboat
Sunday, 24 January 2016 - 14:41
During the 75th Anniversary of Operation Dynamo we saw the following:-
Prudential/Trimilia - The old Ramsgate Lifeboat - Ramsgate Class Lifeboat
Lucy Lavers - The old Aldeburgh No.2 Lifeboat - Liverpool Class Lifeboat
Ross Woodd & Phyllis Lunn/Dowager - The old Shoreham Lifeboat - Watson Class Lifeboat
Mary Scott - The old Southwold No.1 Lifeboat - Norfolk & Suffolk Class Lifeboat
Cecil & Lilian Philpott/Stenoa - The old Newhaven Lifeboat - Watson Class Lifeboat
Sunday, 24 January 2016 - 14:41
Post 2779
vic matcham, Dover
I think it is sad and wrong that big shipping lines are making a lot of cash from out port of Dover in England and what do we get in return ,nothing ,they should like it was when I was working on P.O. and other lines,refits were done in our own shipyards done by UK workers the yards are still open today and the ships company that sail under our flag should use them,
Sunday, 24 January 2016 - 14:33
Sunday, 24 January 2016 - 14:33
Post 2778
Sarah, Ramsgate
Following on from Mike's lifeboat post I saw Admiral Douglas/The Brothers returning to Dover last July.
Sunday, 24 January 2016 - 14:15
Sunday, 24 January 2016 - 14:15
Post 2777
Ed Connell, Dover
Pride of Burgundy in the floating drydock at Damen Shiprepair in Dunkerque, as seen from Delft Seaways departing last night to resume service. Dover Seaways now commences her refit.
Sunday, 24 January 2016 - 13:49
Sunday, 24 January 2016 - 13:49
Post 2776
Ed Connell, Dunkerque
Damen Shiprepair yard in Dunkerque yesterday.
Sunday, 24 January 2016 - 13:44
Sunday, 24 January 2016 - 13:44
Post 2775
Sea News, Dover
Port of Calais re-opens following migrant activity @2050hrs
______________________________________________
Following a period of migrant activity at the Port of Calais which caused disruption to ferry sailings last evening, services are returning to normal.
The Port of Dover remained open for business throughout the period of disruption.
Traffic is free flowing along the M20/A20 and M2/A2 approaches to Dover and there is space available on sailings with both operators.
Customers who have any concerns are advised to contact their chosen ferry operator before travelling and consult the Port of Dover website (www.doverport.co.uk) or Twitter account (@PoD_travelnews) for the latest travel information.
We will continue to monitor the situation closely in liaison with our ferry partners and the Port of Calais.
Ferry Operator Contacts
DFDS Seaways
Freight: +44 (0) 1304 874 001
Tourist: +44 (0) 871 230 0440
Twitter: @dfdsseaways
P&O Ferries
Freight: +44 (0) 1304 863 340
Tourist: +44 (0) 8716 64 64 64
Twitter: @POferriesupdate
ENDS
Thanks to the team at the Port for sending the info above over.
We understand that 50 migrants boarded the Spirit of Britain ferry which is a tremendous breach of security and deeply concerning. What more can be done .. only a day or so ago French Police were using tear gas in their latest effort to control the situation. Things are indeed difficult but migrants managing to board a ferry is a breach too far. The Spirit of Britain in sombre mood here...
Below we have a pic of the Afon Goch tugboat yesterday through the mist and drizzle. She was arriving from Boulogne.
We have featured her previously too...more in the Search Engine.
We understand its going to be very foggy today but such is life eh...
Thanks guys re fish on bicycle. You know how the saying goes Colette
"A woman needs a man like a fish needs a bicycle"
...but....well what can you say! I'm staying away from that one!
Yes enjoyable post below there Mike...interesting stuff indeed from in and around the harbour.
Sunday, 24 January 2016 - 07:37
______________________________________________
Following a period of migrant activity at the Port of Calais which caused disruption to ferry sailings last evening, services are returning to normal.
The Port of Dover remained open for business throughout the period of disruption.
Traffic is free flowing along the M20/A20 and M2/A2 approaches to Dover and there is space available on sailings with both operators.
Customers who have any concerns are advised to contact their chosen ferry operator before travelling and consult the Port of Dover website (www.doverport.co.uk) or Twitter account (@PoD_travelnews) for the latest travel information.
We will continue to monitor the situation closely in liaison with our ferry partners and the Port of Calais.
Ferry Operator Contacts
DFDS Seaways
Freight: +44 (0) 1304 874 001
Tourist: +44 (0) 871 230 0440
Twitter: @dfdsseaways
P&O Ferries
Freight: +44 (0) 1304 863 340
Tourist: +44 (0) 8716 64 64 64
Twitter: @POferriesupdate
ENDS
Thanks to the team at the Port for sending the info above over.
We understand that 50 migrants boarded the Spirit of Britain ferry which is a tremendous breach of security and deeply concerning. What more can be done .. only a day or so ago French Police were using tear gas in their latest effort to control the situation. Things are indeed difficult but migrants managing to board a ferry is a breach too far. The Spirit of Britain in sombre mood here...
Below we have a pic of the Afon Goch tugboat yesterday through the mist and drizzle. She was arriving from Boulogne.
We have featured her previously too...more in the Search Engine.
We understand its going to be very foggy today but such is life eh...
Thanks guys re fish on bicycle. You know how the saying goes Colette
"A woman needs a man like a fish needs a bicycle"
...but....well what can you say! I'm staying away from that one!
Yes enjoyable post below there Mike...interesting stuff indeed from in and around the harbour.
Sunday, 24 January 2016 - 07:37
Post 2774
ColetteB, DOVER
Nice assortment of retired RNLI lifeboats there Mike J, great photos along with some very interesting back stories. I've always liked the well preserved William & Kate Johnson, I have seen it many times over the years both in Ramsgate & of course Dover
Also, love that fish riding a bicycle at Cullins Yard and a nice photo too Mr B I haven't noticed that one before, perhaps I just missed it or maybe its a new exhibit. Cullins have a great collection of interesting pieces and they are constantly adding to the mix.
Good moody seafront pic with the Winter Grasses, I didn't realize they would grow quite so tall in places, they certainly make a good foreground for photos on a cold and windy day
Sunday, 24 January 2016 - 03:59
Also, love that fish riding a bicycle at Cullins Yard and a nice photo too Mr B
I haven't noticed that one before, perhaps I just missed it or maybe its a new exhibit. Cullins have a great collection of interesting pieces and they are constantly adding to the mix. Good moody seafront pic with the Winter Grasses, I didn't realize they would grow quite so tall in places, they certainly make a good foreground for photos on a cold and windy day
Sunday, 24 January 2016 - 03:59
Post 2773
Mike J., Dover
An interesting picture of the bicycling fish [porpoise? dolphin?] at Cullens Yard - it’ll start pedalling if you ask nicely.
In the background of Paul's photo is one of three retired RNLI lifeboats currently in Dover.
The WILLIAM & KATE JOHNSTON in her usual berth in the Wellington Dock, easily seen from De Bradelei’s car park & still havimg most of her RNLI appearance.
Built in 1923, she was the prototype of the ‘Barnett’ class of twin-screw motor lifeboat & served at New Brighton until 1950.
She has been ‘in preservation’ for much longer than she was in RNLI service.
Tucked away in the corner of Wellington Dock, up by the Prince of Wales roundabout, shortly to become the Prince of Wales traffic lights when the Big Plans get rolling, is the ADMIRAL DOUGLAS, built in 1922 as the THE BROTHERS.
During her career with the RNLI she spent some time at Falmouth.
Now considerably modified from her RNLI appearance with only the hull appearing reasonably original she finished up at Dover as a workboat [for the DHB ?] before becoming a dive boat for the Dover Sub Aqua Club & is thought to be up for sale.
The WILLIAM & KATE JOHNSTON makes occasional trips & I’ve seen her in Ramsgate but I‘ve not seen the ADMIRAL DOUGLAS on the move for many years.
Similarly inactive & up for sale, tucked away at the far western end of Granville Dock is the MAXIMUS, an ARUN class lifeboat, still looking pretty original altho’ no longer in RNLI colours.
The former SIR MAX AITKEN worked as a relief lifeboat from 1981 until 2002 when she became a workboat/survey vessel.
On 20/10/14 she was out of the water in the boatyard.
Further pix in post 728.
In post 2138 Sarah posted photos of the preserved Eastbourne lifeboat PRISCILLA MACBEANE - sadly another historic preserved lifeboat ‘sank’ in the Hayle Estuary in December during weather.
The JAMES STEVENS No.10 was built in 1899 as a pulling [rowing] & sailing lifeboat [later fitted with an engine] & was reported sunk in the Hayle Estuary during bad weather in December.
Fortunately the boat looks ‘swamped’ rather than ‘sunk’ & hopefully has been salvaged.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cornwall-35205322
The Dutch LIAMARE is due back in Dover after the weekend with more Norwegian stone for the Shakespeare Breach seawall job.
Saturday, 23 January 2016 - 15:56
In the background of Paul's photo is one of three retired RNLI lifeboats currently in Dover.
The WILLIAM & KATE JOHNSTON in her usual berth in the Wellington Dock, easily seen from De Bradelei’s car park & still havimg most of her RNLI appearance.
Built in 1923, she was the prototype of the ‘Barnett’ class of twin-screw motor lifeboat & served at New Brighton until 1950.
She has been ‘in preservation’ for much longer than she was in RNLI service.
Tucked away in the corner of Wellington Dock, up by the Prince of Wales roundabout, shortly to become the Prince of Wales traffic lights when the Big Plans get rolling, is the ADMIRAL DOUGLAS, built in 1922 as the THE BROTHERS.
During her career with the RNLI she spent some time at Falmouth.
Now considerably modified from her RNLI appearance with only the hull appearing reasonably original she finished up at Dover as a workboat [for the DHB ?] before becoming a dive boat for the Dover Sub Aqua Club & is thought to be up for sale.
The WILLIAM & KATE JOHNSTON makes occasional trips & I’ve seen her in Ramsgate but I‘ve not seen the ADMIRAL DOUGLAS on the move for many years.
Similarly inactive & up for sale, tucked away at the far western end of Granville Dock is the MAXIMUS, an ARUN class lifeboat, still looking pretty original altho’ no longer in RNLI colours.
The former SIR MAX AITKEN worked as a relief lifeboat from 1981 until 2002 when she became a workboat/survey vessel.
On 20/10/14 she was out of the water in the boatyard.
Further pix in post 728.
In post 2138 Sarah posted photos of the preserved Eastbourne lifeboat PRISCILLA MACBEANE - sadly another historic preserved lifeboat ‘sank’ in the Hayle Estuary in December during weather.
The JAMES STEVENS No.10 was built in 1899 as a pulling [rowing] & sailing lifeboat [later fitted with an engine] & was reported sunk in the Hayle Estuary during bad weather in December.
Fortunately the boat looks ‘swamped’ rather than ‘sunk’ & hopefully has been salvaged.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cornwall-35205322
The Dutch LIAMARE is due back in Dover after the weekend with more Norwegian stone for the Shakespeare Breach seawall job.
Saturday, 23 January 2016 - 15:56
Post 2772
Sea News, Dover
Winter grasses on a cold bracing Dover Seafront.
Nobody about at the time...just one or two..someone walking a dog, a man riding a bicycle...
all quiet on the western front.
Friday, 22 January 2016 - 07:56
Post 2771
Vic Matcham, Dover
Thank you for telling me that but after that meeting I had and trying to talk to the leader of the council over there unless they phone me then I wash my hands of it, and they will not get back to me because I hold no office just a member of the public .But I think I done well in just getting a meeting even be it was not a long one.
There comes a time at the age of 73 you just have to walk away from it.
Thursday, 21 January 2016 - 09:26
There comes a time at the age of 73 you just have to walk away from it.
Thursday, 21 January 2016 - 09:26
Post 2770
Sea News, Dover
..while Sean the Seagull gets in on the act...
JOINT NEWS RELEASE JUST IN.....
TRAFFIC REGENERATION: Below we have a joint statement from the HIGHWAYS AGENCY, THE PORT OF DOVER and DOVER DISTRICT COUNCIL.
Key road scheme to maximise Dover regeneration projects
_______________________________________________
Work on a key road scheme in Dover is due to start on 20th February. The work involves junction improvements at the Prince of Wales and Duke of York roundabouts on the A20, along with improved access to Union Street.
The junctions on the A20 at the Prince of Wales and York Street roundabouts will become traffic light controlled by a MOVA Smart system which is designed to monitor, regulate and ultimately improve traffic flows. The traffic light control system for Woolcomber Street will also be upgraded to deliver better access to the Port and support wider town regeneration.
The first junction improvement will be to the Prince of Wales Roundabout and Union Street. Following a period for site set-up, these improvements will commence on 20th February and will finish during December 2016.
Highlighted as one of the key investment schemes by the Government in unlocking Britain's economic potential, the A20 junction improvement works are designed to maximise the potential of Dover’s key regeneration projects including the port’s Dover Western Docks Revival (DWDR) scheme and the district council’s St James development.
Cllr Paul Watkins, Leader of Dover District Council, said: "These works are an important part of our regeneration and transport plans. We’ve been working closely with the Port of Dover, Highways England, and contractors on a scheme backed by central Government to improve access and maximise the opportunity to better connect the Western Docks and town centre regeneration opportunities that are now getting underway."
Tim Waggott, Chief Executive of the Port of Dover, added: "These are exciting times as we move forward in making Dover the place we all want it to be, a place to invest in and a fantastic destination. Improving access and connectivity for these developments will ensure they deliver maximum long-term economic benefit to Dover."
Extensive traffic management modelling has been undertaken with an expert traffic management consultancy to evaluate the potential impacts of the works, the results showing traffic flows as working well, including with Dover TAP (Traffic Assessment Project), which was factored into the modelling. This includes where the traffic is merging into one lane. Procedures will also be in place to monitor traffic flows and to quickly clear breakdowns. Snargate Street entrances will remain open throughout the works to enable access for Dover businesses and the community.
Highways England Asset Manager for Kent, Kevin Bown said: "The improvements to the A20 will unlock the potential for future growth and boost the economy. We are working with the Port of Dover and all involved to ensure that any disruption to drivers and the local community is minimised during construction."
All partners thank the public for their patience and understanding whilst this key regeneration-enabling project is delivered for Dover.
More below....
Details of the of the A20 works:
i. Set up Traffic Management for the Prince of Wales Roundabout / Union Street which reduces the traffic to one lane in each direction, from 4th January 2016 for the contractor to mobilise and set up with the road improvement works commencing on 20th February 2016. The works are programmed to be completed during December to miss the Christmas 2016 period.
ii. During this time there will be no right turn facility from A20 east bound to Union Street and no right from Union Street to the A20 east bound (Left turn only with diversion to York Street or Limekiln roundabouts).
iii. Traffic will be merged before the Limekiln roundabout to assist free flowing movement prior to single lane road works at Union Street.
iv. Later in the year, partners will provide further details on the remaining junction improvement works.
v. The MOVA (Microprocessor Optimised Vehicle Actuation) traffic light system being installed monitors and builds data on vehicle flows providing a more efficient form of control to enable to deliver substantially reduced delays. The benefits of this system will reduce the potential for roundabouts to get blocked by lorries, delays on the strategic road network and balanced traffic flows to and from the Port of Dover.
vi. In circumstances where you require information and advice regarding the traffic situation please follow our travel twitter account for most up to date traffic conditions (@PoD_travelnews), or call Highways England customer contact centre (0300 123 5000).
ENDS
Vic I have had this information through from roving correspondent Sarah Hewes. There is a petition you can sign in support of getting ferries back to Ramsgate if you wish.
"
The appeal for trying to get Ferries back at Ramsgate has a website
www.ramsgateferry.com/
"
We cant do live links here on this page so copy and paste that website into your browser and sign up if you wish.
Thanks to all for the information coming through from all directions and of course all the posts as ever. PaulB.
Thursday, 21 January 2016 - 07:48
Post 2769
Howard McSweeney, Dover
I think I have seen the "Autopremier" berthed in Calais a few years back although looking at the owner's website they don't call there nowadays.
Well done to Thanet Council for gaining the trade, not sure how many jobs it will bring as it doesn't look to be a labour intensive business.
Wednesday, 20 January 2016 - 20:27
Well done to Thanet Council for gaining the trade, not sure how many jobs it will bring as it doesn't look to be a labour intensive business.
Wednesday, 20 January 2016 - 20:27