Thursday, 18 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 1374
Mike J., Dover
The freezing fogbank rolls back to reveal the BERLIOZ & the BURGUNDY.
0800 Sunday morning, -1 with sensible folk still under the blankets.
Post 1294 -
That DHB photo is a little dated with two Seacats visible - Hoverspeed finished in 2005 !
Happy New Year !
Sunday, 4 January 2015 - 15:14
0800 Sunday morning, -1 with sensible folk still under the blankets.
Post 1294 -
That DHB photo is a little dated with two Seacats visible - Hoverspeed finished in 2005 !
Happy New Year !
Sunday, 4 January 2015 - 15:14
Post 1373
Sea News, Dover
The Lifeboat in Blistering Action on News Years Day
Even though it was New Years Day there was no rest for our 'wicked' Lifeboat guys who were blasting about the harbour in more of their usual hi-octane action. No doubt it was just training action but it is always great to see them turning on the power and always great to know they are there in place when an emergency crops up. Pictures were all taken at the same time..roughly mid morning. The sun was in and out. One minute blinding sun on the water, next minute heavy cloud. The pictures are cropped down as the winds were very strong and yours truly couldn't keep the camera steady for love nor money. The Lifeboat would appear in top corner of shot or bottom corner of shot or sometimes missed altogether. PB.
Saturday, 3 January 2015 - 08:10
Even though it was New Years Day there was no rest for our 'wicked' Lifeboat guys who were blasting about the harbour in more of their usual hi-octane action. No doubt it was just training action but it is always great to see them turning on the power and always great to know they are there in place when an emergency crops up. Pictures were all taken at the same time..roughly mid morning. The sun was in and out. One minute blinding sun on the water, next minute heavy cloud. The pictures are cropped down as the winds were very strong and yours truly couldn't keep the camera steady for love nor money. The Lifeboat would appear in top corner of shot or bottom corner of shot or sometimes missed altogether. PB.
Saturday, 3 January 2015 - 08:10
Post 1372
Sea News, Dover
Port of Dover makes its mark
Dover is the port of choice for more than 25 individual cruise liners and 250,000 passengers annually who can relax and sail away knowing that the Port has once again been awarded the Park Mark® Award for safe, secure car parking.
The Port of Dover has consistently been awarded the Park Mark® Award since the scheme’s inception in 2003. The Park Mark® Safer Parking Scheme is an initiative of the Associations of Chief Police Officers (ACPO), aimed at reducing crime and the fear of crime in parking areas and is awarded by the British Parking Association.
Driven by massive investment, Dover is one of the most modern and progressive cruise ports in the country, with highly trained personnel and award-winning customer service. With 1,120 car parking spaces situated next to the Cruise Terminals, customers can easily find a short or long-stay space to suit every need.
Barbara Buczek, General Manager of Business Development said: "We are proud to be awarded an eleventh accolade for our car parks. It proves that we have consistently achieved the highest standard necessary for a Park Mark® Award and it is good news for our customers and community who can enjoy peace of mind when they visit us at the Best Port in the World."
Mike Bibby, Park Mark® Scheme Area Manager said: "I am delighted that the Port of Dover is in the Safer Parking Scheme. The Port has been accredited for eleven years now and their commitment to achieving high standards shows they care about their customers."
Ends
The excellent pictures shown are from our colleagues down at the Port..
once again wishing them and all contributors a Happy New Year
Friday, 2 January 2015 - 07:47
Post 1371
Barry W-S, Dover
A very Frosty and non gritty photo capturing the freezing conditions on the seafront
Happy New Year everyone
Wednesday, 31 December 2014 - 12:03
Happy New Year everyone
Wednesday, 31 December 2014 - 12:03
Post 1370
Sea News, Dover
More brass monkey weather along the seafront. That's a hard frost for sure in the picture above from yesterday. One brave and hardy soul, in dashing red anorak, makes his/her way along the frozen promenade taking bouncing Bowser for a walk. As you can see not much gritting down here, none in fact, so motorised vehicles have to proceed with anti slip care and those on foot have to be appropriately shod for fear of the same thing..The blinding sunrises continue below...a cold-day sunrise above Cap Gris Nez.
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO EVERYONE
Wednesday, 31 December 2014 - 08:42
Post 1369
Sea News, Dover
Dover Marina retains Top 5 Gold Anchors Award
__________________________________________
Dover Marina has once again been re-accredited for ‘5 Gold Anchors Award’ after its recent assessment by The Yacht Harbour Association (TYHA). The Gold Anchor Award Scheme is one of the highest accolades in recognising quality of service and has been auditing marinas throughout the world for over 25 years.
The Award Scheme is a voluntary assessment program, which focuses on customer service and providing quality moorings for the boat owner. The ratings range from 1 to 5 Gold Anchors and provide assurance of the credibility and quality of the marina when assessed against the technical criteria based on TYHA’s Code of Practice for the design, construction and operation of marinas. The award lasts for 3 years and then the marina is reassessed.
Chris Windsor, Marina Manager, Port of Dover says: "Dover Marina is delighted to be re-accredited with the ‘5 Gold Anchor Award’ by The Yacht Harbour Association. This award is the highest achievement obtainable in the marina industry and we are thrilled with the recognition for the high standards and commitment to customer service that we deliver."
Dover Marina, one of the best known marinas on the South Coast is incredibly convenient for cross-Channel sailing. Set against the iconic backdrop of the famous White Cliffs, Dover is the most convenient location for cross-Channel sailing. Situated at the closest point to Europe and just 20 miles from France, it is within easy sailing distance of the French marinas of Boulogne, Calais, Gravelines and Dunkerque, and the Belgian and Dutch coasts.
ENDS
The Gold Anchor Award scheme operates in 26 countries - so pretty impressive indeed for Dover Marina, and being within easy reach of all those terrific European destinations as mentioned above... is of great benefit to the cross channel sailor.
Tuesday, 30 December 2014 - 05:11
Post 1368
Sea News, Dover
We have been reading of the concerns that the local Councillors have been expressing about the traffic issues here in and around the Port of Dover. Much to do there. Here we have the most recent missive from our MP who talks of an all round brighter future.
WITH INVESTMENT AND VISION, DOVER CAN BECOME A JEWEL IN THE CROWN OF THE NATION .. says Charlie Elphicke MP
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
Last week Dover Harbour Board announced that two new community directors will be appointed to the board. This shows how much has changed in recent years. Back in 2010 the port was about to be sold off to the French or whoever. All that was needed was the flick of the Minister's pen and the port would have been gone.
People felt deeply that Dover should remain Forever England. That there needed to be more investment and regeneration at the port. A closer partnership was needed between port, community and the port users to realise the true potential of the port and waterfront. Finally the port needed to benefit the town.
So the People's Port Trust was born to fight the sell off. If they were going to sell it, we would buy it. Funds were raised in the City of London. An offer was made to the Government. A referendum was held and 98% voted for Dover the sell off to be stopped. The turnout was higher than the previous district council elections.
The People's Port campaign stopped the sell off. Yet more reform was needed to see the port benefit the town.
Earlier this year the Ports Minister came to Dover and set out a programme for reform. The port would have the powers to raise the funds it needed. This nailed the lie that privatisation was the only way to raise the money. The Minister announced there would be a port community fund to benefit our community. Finally he announced that community directors would be appointed by the community to secure the community interest in the boardroom.
The Harbour Board has made much progress. The port's rules have been changed to allow the port to raise investment it needs. Already, there is an exciting vision for the Western Docks Revival. The community benefit fund is being established. People feel it's not enough and I want to see it increased too. Yet the principle has been secured. Finally a process took place to appoint a community director. Local residents Neil Wiggins and Samantha Parker have been appointed. Many congratulations and best of luck to them both in their service.
We have come a long way in less than five short years. More has been achieved than anyone thought possible. The new leadership at the Harbour Board has achieved much they can be proud of.
The next stage is to secure the investment needed to transform the port. The Western Docks Revival is a great plan. My vision is that the town centre development should cross over the A20 properly to join town and waterfront. To see the Marine Station no longer marooned but at the heart of a great waterside development. To see Dover a destination for visitors to come to, not pass through. With investment and vision, Dover can be a jewel in the crown of the nation once more.
Charlie Elphicke
MP for Dover and Deal
Monday, 29 December 2014 - 06:57
Post 1367
vic matcham, Dover
Most of what was said by the district cllr was bad driving and not hold ups at the port and that kind of driving happens on all roads.
Sunday, 28 December 2014 - 09:44
Sunday, 28 December 2014 - 09:44
Post 1366
Sea News, Dover
Following on from Town Councillor Pat Sherratt's letter to the local police chief Steve Barlow re our serious traffic problems ( see post 1282 )...here we have another letter to Chief Inspector Barlow this time from District Councillor Nigel Collor. Neither letters have had a reply as yet..
Dear Steve
You will have received Pat Sherratt's Email regarding his experiences in the last few days.
I have also received Emails from Denise Smith, a resident at East Cliff, and Arthur Brown who
lives at The Gateway all having the same theme - Dover's ongoing congestion issues and
especially East Cliff being effectively cut off for hours.
I also noticed yesterday that the Aycliffe bus service was re routed via the Western Heights.
Personally, I have had two experiences. The first was on Thursday evening when turning from
travelling westbound on the A20 into York Street - an articulated lorry was coming from Snargate
Street towards the docks that I accurately assumed had no intention of giving way - he didn't so
as I sat stationary he shot across very near to my bonnet.
The second was on Friday evening as I was coming from the docks area and stopped at the traffic
signals indicating to turn right into Woolcomber Street when a truck pulled up beside me who was
also indicating to turn right even though he was in a lane designated to go straight ahead. As the
lights went green we both pulled away and he was I obviously doing a 'U Turn' - although the signs
advise that this is barred - with no consideration at all for the two cars following me who were forced
to miss that phase of the green light.
I have also had numerous verbal reports, possibly the most serious of these was from an elderly
gentleman travelling as a passenger in a car going westbound on the A20 turning into York Street
when a truck came and side swiped them into the structure of the roundabout causing damage to
the car and trapping the elderly gentleman causing him a great deal of distress but fortunately he
was not injured but quite shaken.
The Port of Dover Police direct trucks coming down the A2 Jubilee Way wanting the enter the docks
onto Marine Parade expecting them to join the back of the queue. However this very rarely happens
as they either do 'U Turns' at the Woolcomber Street lights, or pull into Woolcomber Street to try
to undertake a similar turn at the St James Street junction - I have even seen one effect a 'U Turn' at
the Caste Street lights - all not only extremely dangerous but frequently block the junction to all
traffic as well as causing damage to street furniture. More commonly the redirected trucks turn into
the eastbound queue by going round the roundabouts at either York Street, Union Street, Limekiln
Street or at the Western Heights / Aycliffe junction blocking the road to other traffic.
As Dover District Council are offering a weeks free parking starting from yesterday and knowing there
were queues, I went out for a drive round and found that Dover town centre was accessible using the
B2011 or the A256. BBC Radio Kent were advising 'A20 route into Dover had a seven miles queue
but the A2 route was open' they later advised a mile long queue for the A2 too. Knowing how
important the Saturday before Christmas is to our local traders and a reason for giving the free
parking, their comments rather concerned me so I called them and they did add to their bulletins that
Dover was accessible using the B2011.
I know that this is not directly an issue that you personally deal with but will be grateful if you would
kindly forward these comments to the appropriate unit in Kent Police. We thought we had cracked
this problem some months ago except when there is adverse weather or an emergency situation.
Charlie Elphicke recently introduced me to Priti Patel, the Minister to the Treasury, and I asked her
whether Dover could benefit from some of the tax funding that is now coming into the Treasury from
trucks using UK roads. The Minister replied that maybe she and Charlie could look into this - things
such as new signs age and road marking my help.
Although this situation is an annual warning to the people and businesses in Dover that Christmas
is upon us with two ships undergoing unscheduled maintenance recently plus the re-resurfacing of
the A20 through the town this situation has been evident for many weeks now and the community
is getting very frustrated. In the New Year we have more overnight closures on the A20 for lining
plus closures for new lighting to be installed on Jubilee Way followed by the removal of the
Roundabouts at York Street and Union Street. We are therefore looking at having roadworks on the
two main trunk roads into Dover for around the next six months. There have been meetings at which
Kent Police were in attendance when we discussed the diversion routes to be correct for these works
but should there be a problems at the Port for any reason or/and the noticeable increase in traffic
using the port be sustained we all need to be ready with some immediate action to keep Dover free
of vehicles that for some reason can't enter the Docks complex.
I will willing be available to discuss this with the appropriate people at an early date.
Regards
Nigel Collor
* *
Many thanks as ever to Cllr Pat Sherratt and Cllr Nigel Collor.
Another picture below showing the wider view of the Boxing Day dip. Am I imagining it or are crowds down this year? perhaps the lack of sunlight was a contributor but yes attendance looks down a tad. But quite a number still took the grisly plunge. It was enough to shiver yer timbers so it was! PB.
See also the pix below page...
Sunday, 28 December 2014 - 07:11
Dear Steve
You will have received Pat Sherratt's Email regarding his experiences in the last few days.
I have also received Emails from Denise Smith, a resident at East Cliff, and Arthur Brown who
lives at The Gateway all having the same theme - Dover's ongoing congestion issues and
especially East Cliff being effectively cut off for hours.
I also noticed yesterday that the Aycliffe bus service was re routed via the Western Heights.
Personally, I have had two experiences. The first was on Thursday evening when turning from
travelling westbound on the A20 into York Street - an articulated lorry was coming from Snargate
Street towards the docks that I accurately assumed had no intention of giving way - he didn't so
as I sat stationary he shot across very near to my bonnet.
The second was on Friday evening as I was coming from the docks area and stopped at the traffic
signals indicating to turn right into Woolcomber Street when a truck pulled up beside me who was
also indicating to turn right even though he was in a lane designated to go straight ahead. As the
lights went green we both pulled away and he was I obviously doing a 'U Turn' - although the signs
advise that this is barred - with no consideration at all for the two cars following me who were forced
to miss that phase of the green light.
I have also had numerous verbal reports, possibly the most serious of these was from an elderly
gentleman travelling as a passenger in a car going westbound on the A20 turning into York Street
when a truck came and side swiped them into the structure of the roundabout causing damage to
the car and trapping the elderly gentleman causing him a great deal of distress but fortunately he
was not injured but quite shaken.
The Port of Dover Police direct trucks coming down the A2 Jubilee Way wanting the enter the docks
onto Marine Parade expecting them to join the back of the queue. However this very rarely happens
as they either do 'U Turns' at the Woolcomber Street lights, or pull into Woolcomber Street to try
to undertake a similar turn at the St James Street junction - I have even seen one effect a 'U Turn' at
the Caste Street lights - all not only extremely dangerous but frequently block the junction to all
traffic as well as causing damage to street furniture. More commonly the redirected trucks turn into
the eastbound queue by going round the roundabouts at either York Street, Union Street, Limekiln
Street or at the Western Heights / Aycliffe junction blocking the road to other traffic.
As Dover District Council are offering a weeks free parking starting from yesterday and knowing there
were queues, I went out for a drive round and found that Dover town centre was accessible using the
B2011 or the A256. BBC Radio Kent were advising 'A20 route into Dover had a seven miles queue
but the A2 route was open' they later advised a mile long queue for the A2 too. Knowing how
important the Saturday before Christmas is to our local traders and a reason for giving the free
parking, their comments rather concerned me so I called them and they did add to their bulletins that
Dover was accessible using the B2011.
I know that this is not directly an issue that you personally deal with but will be grateful if you would
kindly forward these comments to the appropriate unit in Kent Police. We thought we had cracked
this problem some months ago except when there is adverse weather or an emergency situation.
Charlie Elphicke recently introduced me to Priti Patel, the Minister to the Treasury, and I asked her
whether Dover could benefit from some of the tax funding that is now coming into the Treasury from
trucks using UK roads. The Minister replied that maybe she and Charlie could look into this - things
such as new signs age and road marking my help.
Although this situation is an annual warning to the people and businesses in Dover that Christmas
is upon us with two ships undergoing unscheduled maintenance recently plus the re-resurfacing of
the A20 through the town this situation has been evident for many weeks now and the community
is getting very frustrated. In the New Year we have more overnight closures on the A20 for lining
plus closures for new lighting to be installed on Jubilee Way followed by the removal of the
Roundabouts at York Street and Union Street. We are therefore looking at having roadworks on the
two main trunk roads into Dover for around the next six months. There have been meetings at which
Kent Police were in attendance when we discussed the diversion routes to be correct for these works
but should there be a problems at the Port for any reason or/and the noticeable increase in traffic
using the port be sustained we all need to be ready with some immediate action to keep Dover free
of vehicles that for some reason can't enter the Docks complex.
I will willing be available to discuss this with the appropriate people at an early date.
Regards
Nigel Collor
* *
Many thanks as ever to Cllr Pat Sherratt and Cllr Nigel Collor.
Another picture below showing the wider view of the Boxing Day dip. Am I imagining it or are crowds down this year? perhaps the lack of sunlight was a contributor but yes attendance looks down a tad. But quite a number still took the grisly plunge. It was enough to shiver yer timbers so it was!
PB.Sunday, 28 December 2014 - 07:11
Post 1365
Mike J., Dover
For 'Xmas in Dover' back to the late 70s paste the next line into your search box [works fine with Google].
www.doverferryphotosforums.co.uk/christmas-past-at-dover/
Bags of other local ferry information on the 'Dover Ferry Photos' website.
Saturday, 27 December 2014 - 10:47
www.doverferryphotosforums.co.uk/christmas-past-at-dover/
Bags of other local ferry information on the 'Dover Ferry Photos' website.
Saturday, 27 December 2014 - 10:47
Post 1364
Sea News, Dover
YOU DONT HAVE TO BE MAD BUT IT HELPS
Due to a technical miscalculation in the gubbins department, yours truly was unable to get to the Boxing Day Dip as per my usual. I missed not being on the spot to see all those hellraisin madcap Dovorians hurtle seaward in heinously hedonistic yet heroic fashion. Yes straight into the deep they plunged their shivering limbs.. goosebumps to the fore, many doing it for charity and others just shrugging off the Christmas lethargy. We have some pictures but just long range this time. Whoosh ! here we go...
A splishin' and a splashin' !!
Well done with the pictures below Ed. Interesting to see the sleeping Port from the other side of the fence as it were. Great to see that Christmas card too.
Thanks for those comments Mike. We can look forward too to a good 2015.
Thanks also to all contributors and all who join in.
And a big thanks to the information providers... Port of Dover, DFDS Seaways, P&O Ferries, MyFerryLink, the RNLI, Dover District Council.
PaulB.
Saturday, 27 December 2014 - 06:19
Due to a technical miscalculation in the gubbins department, yours truly was unable to get to the Boxing Day Dip as per my usual. I missed not being on the spot to see all those hellraisin madcap Dovorians hurtle seaward in heinously hedonistic yet heroic fashion. Yes straight into the deep they plunged their shivering limbs.. goosebumps to the fore, many doing it for charity and others just shrugging off the Christmas lethargy. We have some pictures but just long range this time. Whoosh ! here we go...
Well done with the pictures below Ed. Interesting to see the sleeping Port from the other side of the fence as it were. Great to see that Christmas card too.
Thanks for those comments Mike. We can look forward too to a good 2015.
Thanks also to all contributors and all who join in.
And a big thanks to the information providers... Port of Dover, DFDS Seaways, P&O Ferries, MyFerryLink, the RNLI, Dover District Council.
PaulB.
Saturday, 27 December 2014 - 06:19
Post 1363
Ed Connell, Dover
As Mike says, the port is sparsely populated, only five ferries.
Spirit of France, Pride of Canterbury and Spirit of Britain.
Pride of Burgundy on the Eastern Arm.
Dover Seaways and a deserted park.
Thursday, 25 December 2014 - 16:53
Spirit of France, Pride of Canterbury and Spirit of Britain.
Pride of Burgundy on the Eastern Arm.
Dover Seaways and a deserted park.
Thursday, 25 December 2014 - 16:53
Post 1362
Ed Connell, Dover
Merry Christmas to everybody. Here is the Christmas card which the Dover Patrol was sending out in 1917.
Thursday, 25 December 2014 - 09:11
Thursday, 25 December 2014 - 09:11
Post 1361
Mike J., Dover
The fleets in !
Christmas Day at Dover & the one day of the year when the port is quiet.
Only five ferries in port - quite a change from the old days when the ferries were much smaller & there were more of them & every berth would be occupied including the Eastern Arm with the overspill on the Ad.Pier.
Over in Calais - CALAIS SEAWAYS - RODIN - BERLIOZ
Dunkirk West - DUNKERQUE SEAWAYS - DELFT SEAWAYS
Arnos repair yard, Dunkirk - PRIDE OF KENT - NORD PAS DE CALAIS
Merry Christmas & Happy New year to all ‘Sea News’ readers & thanks to PaulB for running this excellent site.
Thursday, 25 December 2014 - 06:50
Post 1360
Sea News, Dover
You wont need me to tell you how awful the traffic congestion was over the weekend and on the days previously. Cllr Pat Sherratt has sent the following email to the local police chief...Chief Inspector Steve Barlow. The content was also forwarded to local MP Charlie Elphicke and to Cllr Nigel Collor. Many thanks to Pat Sherratt for the information and for the effort made on our behalf.
Subject: Port Traffic Congestion
__________________________
Dear Steve
I am sending this to you as the Senior Police Officer for Dover. I recognise the problem which is traffic related may not be your direct responsibility but I am sure you will be able to forward to the appropriate person.
Yesterday evening (Friday 19th) I arrived by ferry from France. Very evident that there was serious traffic congestion. I walked from the Eastern Dock home. At the roundabout by the dock entrance DHB police were doing an excellent job, in particular ensuring that lories that had used the outside lane (queue jumping) were then put back westbound to join the rear of the queue.
When I reached the junction of Townwall Street and Woolcomber Street chaos reigned. Lorries straddled across the junction and lorries that had been directed on the westbound carriageway doing U-turns to join the eastbound traffic. On Woolcomber Street cars were back towards Castle Street and totally gridlocked. The Westbound A20 was also at a standstill
I know I should not have done so (No High Viz clothing) but I managed to direct one lorry to pull into Woolcomber Street releasing space, this was immediately taken by another lorry. With this someone else assisted and we managed to create a small gap for vehicles to access Townwall Street from Woolcomber Street.
I am told similar problems occurred at the York Street Roundabout as well as that at Aycliffe
Residents of Dover are fed up with the total lack of control of traffic at peak times. I reported the incident (Ref 19/1271) I have no doubt other people complained.
At 1806hrs I received the following voicemail "Hello, this is a message for Mr Sherratt. My name is Megan. I am calling you from Kent Police Control Room. Its just to let you know we have spoken to the Port of Dover Police who obviously manage the traffic in and out of the Port. They are well aware of the traffic problems, they have got people out dealing with it as best they can, but it is the last weekend before Christmas, apparently this is always extremely busy with people going back home to Europe for Christmas or going ski-ing and all children have broken up today. They are doing their best, there is not much more they can do, as much as they try and manage it. If you have anymore questions please don't hesitate to call them"
This is the biggest cop out that I have heard. What are Kent Traffic Police doing?. As usual nothing whilst Dover grinds to a halt. With 9.3% of our Council Tax allocated to Kent Police we should expect Kent Police to provide the service and not pass the buck.
With the National Economy recovering the consequential effect is greater volume of freight With freight traffic currently increasing at above 9% per annum within 5 years at a 9% compound growth will see the port handling over 50% more vehicles per annum or in unit terms another 1.2million lorries. Even the DHB "Stack Area" currently under construction will fail to prevent the tail backs to the Round Hill tunnels that as I prepare this e-mail (Saturday PM) is shown on BBC Traffic News.
I believe traffic congestion started Thursday with adverse weather.
I moved to Dover in 1985 and worked in the ferry industry. Even before I moved to Dover the industry (The Port/Ferry Operators) are well aware of the capacity pressure on Friday/Saturday before the Christmas period. So why was Operation Stack not implemented.
Most of the offending vehicles are "Eastern Block". What is needed is clearly defined "Yellow Boxes" at junctions with Multi Lingual "Do Not Enter unless clear" as well as applicable "No U Turns". Then these junctions need to be policed and offending vehicles fined. In France immediate fines would apply. I am sure with a robust enforcement the drivers would soon pass the message that ignore the signs in Dover and a fine would apply.
The roundabouts are being removed but the traffic signal system will not work without yellow boxes and a strict enforcement policy
To add to yesterdays problem the congestion continues this morning. My wife was in a local chemist who could not process prescriptions because the Chemist was stuck in traffic. The shopkeepers of Dover suffer as people cannot access the town on what is, or should be, the busiest Saturday of the year.
By copy to Charlie I ask where is the £24 million or so on the new tax for foreign lorries going. Certainly not on Dover roads.
Kind regards
Pat Sherratt
DTC Councillor Castle Ward
* *
See also below Ed's excellent pictures immediately below of the very recent cargo visitors including the Swedish Reefer as per above.
and of course...don't miss the DOVE OF PEACE...all below.
Wednesday, 24 December 2014 - 06:25
Subject: Port Traffic Congestion
__________________________
Dear Steve
I am sending this to you as the Senior Police Officer for Dover. I recognise the problem which is traffic related may not be your direct responsibility but I am sure you will be able to forward to the appropriate person.
Yesterday evening (Friday 19th) I arrived by ferry from France. Very evident that there was serious traffic congestion. I walked from the Eastern Dock home. At the roundabout by the dock entrance DHB police were doing an excellent job, in particular ensuring that lories that had used the outside lane (queue jumping) were then put back westbound to join the rear of the queue.
When I reached the junction of Townwall Street and Woolcomber Street chaos reigned. Lorries straddled across the junction and lorries that had been directed on the westbound carriageway doing U-turns to join the eastbound traffic. On Woolcomber Street cars were back towards Castle Street and totally gridlocked. The Westbound A20 was also at a standstill
I know I should not have done so (No High Viz clothing) but I managed to direct one lorry to pull into Woolcomber Street releasing space, this was immediately taken by another lorry. With this someone else assisted and we managed to create a small gap for vehicles to access Townwall Street from Woolcomber Street.
I am told similar problems occurred at the York Street Roundabout as well as that at Aycliffe
Residents of Dover are fed up with the total lack of control of traffic at peak times. I reported the incident (Ref 19/1271) I have no doubt other people complained.
At 1806hrs I received the following voicemail "Hello, this is a message for Mr Sherratt. My name is Megan. I am calling you from Kent Police Control Room. Its just to let you know we have spoken to the Port of Dover Police who obviously manage the traffic in and out of the Port. They are well aware of the traffic problems, they have got people out dealing with it as best they can, but it is the last weekend before Christmas, apparently this is always extremely busy with people going back home to Europe for Christmas or going ski-ing and all children have broken up today. They are doing their best, there is not much more they can do, as much as they try and manage it. If you have anymore questions please don't hesitate to call them"
This is the biggest cop out that I have heard. What are Kent Traffic Police doing?. As usual nothing whilst Dover grinds to a halt. With 9.3% of our Council Tax allocated to Kent Police we should expect Kent Police to provide the service and not pass the buck.
With the National Economy recovering the consequential effect is greater volume of freight With freight traffic currently increasing at above 9% per annum within 5 years at a 9% compound growth will see the port handling over 50% more vehicles per annum or in unit terms another 1.2million lorries. Even the DHB "Stack Area" currently under construction will fail to prevent the tail backs to the Round Hill tunnels that as I prepare this e-mail (Saturday PM) is shown on BBC Traffic News.
I believe traffic congestion started Thursday with adverse weather.
I moved to Dover in 1985 and worked in the ferry industry. Even before I moved to Dover the industry (The Port/Ferry Operators) are well aware of the capacity pressure on Friday/Saturday before the Christmas period. So why was Operation Stack not implemented.
Most of the offending vehicles are "Eastern Block". What is needed is clearly defined "Yellow Boxes" at junctions with Multi Lingual "Do Not Enter unless clear" as well as applicable "No U Turns". Then these junctions need to be policed and offending vehicles fined. In France immediate fines would apply. I am sure with a robust enforcement the drivers would soon pass the message that ignore the signs in Dover and a fine would apply.
The roundabouts are being removed but the traffic signal system will not work without yellow boxes and a strict enforcement policy
To add to yesterdays problem the congestion continues this morning. My wife was in a local chemist who could not process prescriptions because the Chemist was stuck in traffic. The shopkeepers of Dover suffer as people cannot access the town on what is, or should be, the busiest Saturday of the year.
By copy to Charlie I ask where is the £24 million or so on the new tax for foreign lorries going. Certainly not on Dover roads.
Kind regards
Pat Sherratt
DTC Councillor Castle Ward
* *
See also below Ed's excellent pictures immediately below of the very recent cargo visitors including the Swedish Reefer as per above.
and of course...don't miss the DOVE OF PEACE...all below.
Wednesday, 24 December 2014 - 06:25
Post 1359
Ed Connell, Dover
Swedish Reefer in port yesterday and Crown Emma today.
Tuesday, 23 December 2014 - 21:58
Tuesday, 23 December 2014 - 21:58
Post 1358
ColetteB, Dover
Terrific photos there of last night's unveiling of Anthony Heywood's magnificent Spitfire sculpture, the Dove of Peace. It was truly a wonderful & moving experience & one I will always remember.
Tuesday, 23 December 2014 - 15:51
Tuesday, 23 December 2014 - 15:51
Post 1357
Sea News, Dover
FLYING HIGH - THE DOVE OF PEACE
Above we have pictures of the beautiful Dove of Peace which was unveiled last night at Cruise Terminal 1. It is a magnificent life size sculture of a Spitfire by Anthony Heywood and as you can see it soars in powerful symbolic style sky high in the cruise terminal.. The juxtapositioning of thought is striking, the flying lethal war machine as the gentle Dove of Peace. The whole building is magnificently renovated and restored. What an image!
Port of Dover Press Release just in.....Dove of Peace brings Port and community together...
__________________________________________________________________________
The iconic sculpture, the Dove of Peace, by Anthony Heywood, has been unveiled at a moving and spectacular public event at the Port of Dover. Taking place in the presence of The Viscount De L’Isle MBE, Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Kent, the Dove was dramatically revealed amidst singing, smoke and searchlights.
Attended by around 300 people, the occasion started in virtual darkness with a reading of The Night Before Christmas 1914, an adaptation of the original poem by Richard J Davis, followed by readings of letters from the trenches describing the memorable events of Christmas Day 1914. These were interspersed with carols, being performed in both English and German, that are known to have been sung during the 1914 Christmas Day truce.
Then, after a minute’s silence, the sculpture, a full size white spitfire made from a special type of paper developed at the former Buckland Paper Mill in Dover, was revealed as red light filled the building, smoke swirled around the Dove, the Pharos Chamber Choir sang a special rendition of In Flanders Fields and white searchlights shot huge white rays through the former Dover Marine Railway Station building to land on Anthony Heywood’s stirring sculpture.
Reflecting on the occasion, Tim Waggott, Chief Executive, Port of Dover, said:
"This wonderful event is a seminal moment for the Port, its commitment to its community and for the future use of such an historic building. This is the culmination of much work with a great many partners and is the launch pad for a new era for this place. Seeing so many members of our community come and be part of our shared story is simply wonderful."
The installation of the Dove of Peace is part of the Port of Dover’s commitment to commemorating both World War I and II. The Cruise Terminal 1 building, which hosted the event, played a significant role as a staging post during both world wars for troops leaving to fight and returning home,and actually saw troops and supplies heading to the Western Front as its first passengers.
Seeing his sculpture revealed, Anthony Heywood said:
"The Dove of Peace symbolises heroism, individualism and belief, it symbolises self-preservation, fear and the shattering of young lives. I am extremely grateful to the Port of Dover for bringing such an iconic symbol home, and to such an incredible and resonant building."
The event was very much a collaboration between many parties and the Port would like to thank the following people and organisations who helped to bring it to fruition:
· University for the Creative Arts for funding and resources
· ICR (Interregional Culture-led Regeneration) project selected under Interreg IV A France (Channel) England Programme co-financed by European Regional Development Fund for funding and support
· FM Conway for providing plant and resources for the installation
· Free4M for modelling and designing the suspension cables and plates
· Stevens and Carlotti for manufacturing the hanging mechanisms
· British Steel for funding the sculpting
· Rainham Steel for funding the sculpting
· Parkers Steel for funding the sculpting
· Arjo Wiggins Teape for developing a unique paper for the exterior
· Buckland Paper Mill for manufacturing the paper material
· Canterbury City Council for resources during the sculpting
· Artful Logistics for transportation and rigging
· Dover Arts Development
· E K Burts Paper
· Pharos Chamber Choir
· EastKoast Production Company
· Karole Steel from Dover Operatic and Dramatic Society
ENDS
EXTRA: See the picture below of the Queen Elizabeth in post 1276. The ship was packed with more than 2,000 passengers who went on a cruise to Amsterdam but alas alas the ship couldn't dock in all the bad weather and it meandered around the English Channel for four miserable days. Passengers not happy with Cunard. I thought all was peace and tranquillity when I took the picture of the ship the other day...but no...the passengers onboard were revolting !
Tuesday, 23 December 2014 - 07:52
Above we have pictures of the beautiful Dove of Peace which was unveiled last night at Cruise Terminal 1. It is a magnificent life size sculture of a Spitfire by Anthony Heywood and as you can see it soars in powerful symbolic style sky high in the cruise terminal.. The juxtapositioning of thought is striking, the flying lethal war machine as the gentle Dove of Peace. The whole building is magnificently renovated and restored. What an image!
Port of Dover Press Release just in.....Dove of Peace brings Port and community together...
__________________________________________________________________________
The iconic sculpture, the Dove of Peace, by Anthony Heywood, has been unveiled at a moving and spectacular public event at the Port of Dover. Taking place in the presence of The Viscount De L’Isle MBE, Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Kent, the Dove was dramatically revealed amidst singing, smoke and searchlights.
Attended by around 300 people, the occasion started in virtual darkness with a reading of The Night Before Christmas 1914, an adaptation of the original poem by Richard J Davis, followed by readings of letters from the trenches describing the memorable events of Christmas Day 1914. These were interspersed with carols, being performed in both English and German, that are known to have been sung during the 1914 Christmas Day truce.
Then, after a minute’s silence, the sculpture, a full size white spitfire made from a special type of paper developed at the former Buckland Paper Mill in Dover, was revealed as red light filled the building, smoke swirled around the Dove, the Pharos Chamber Choir sang a special rendition of In Flanders Fields and white searchlights shot huge white rays through the former Dover Marine Railway Station building to land on Anthony Heywood’s stirring sculpture.
Reflecting on the occasion, Tim Waggott, Chief Executive, Port of Dover, said:
"This wonderful event is a seminal moment for the Port, its commitment to its community and for the future use of such an historic building. This is the culmination of much work with a great many partners and is the launch pad for a new era for this place. Seeing so many members of our community come and be part of our shared story is simply wonderful."
The installation of the Dove of Peace is part of the Port of Dover’s commitment to commemorating both World War I and II. The Cruise Terminal 1 building, which hosted the event, played a significant role as a staging post during both world wars for troops leaving to fight and returning home,and actually saw troops and supplies heading to the Western Front as its first passengers.
Seeing his sculpture revealed, Anthony Heywood said:
"The Dove of Peace symbolises heroism, individualism and belief, it symbolises self-preservation, fear and the shattering of young lives. I am extremely grateful to the Port of Dover for bringing such an iconic symbol home, and to such an incredible and resonant building."
The event was very much a collaboration between many parties and the Port would like to thank the following people and organisations who helped to bring it to fruition:
· University for the Creative Arts for funding and resources
· ICR (Interregional Culture-led Regeneration) project selected under Interreg IV A France (Channel) England Programme co-financed by European Regional Development Fund for funding and support
· FM Conway for providing plant and resources for the installation
· Free4M for modelling and designing the suspension cables and plates
· Stevens and Carlotti for manufacturing the hanging mechanisms
· British Steel for funding the sculpting
· Rainham Steel for funding the sculpting
· Parkers Steel for funding the sculpting
· Arjo Wiggins Teape for developing a unique paper for the exterior
· Buckland Paper Mill for manufacturing the paper material
· Canterbury City Council for resources during the sculpting
· Artful Logistics for transportation and rigging
· Dover Arts Development
· E K Burts Paper
· Pharos Chamber Choir
· EastKoast Production Company
· Karole Steel from Dover Operatic and Dramatic Society
ENDS
EXTRA: See the picture below of the Queen Elizabeth in post 1276. The ship was packed with more than 2,000 passengers who went on a cruise to Amsterdam but alas alas the ship couldn't dock in all the bad weather and it meandered around the English Channel for four miserable days. Passengers not happy with Cunard. I thought all was peace and tranquillity when I took the picture of the ship the other day...but no...the passengers onboard were revolting !
Tuesday, 23 December 2014 - 07:52
Post 1356
ColetteB, Dover
Cunard's Queen Elizabeth is truly Magnificent, it's great to see her passing through here
I heard those loud but jolly blasts from the Saga's & the fireworks too, thanks for the photos
Monday, 22 December 2014 - 10:51
I heard those loud but jolly blasts from the Saga's & the fireworks too, thanks for the photos
Monday, 22 December 2014 - 10:51
Post 1355
Sea News, Dover
For those going to the Dove of Peace event tonight...
there is a P&O bus on hand to pick up guests. The bus will be at Market Square at 5.15pm and then collect from CT1 at 7.15pm to return to the Square…
Monday, 22 December 2014 - 09:00
there is a P&O bus on hand to pick up guests. The bus will be at Market Square at 5.15pm and then collect from CT1 at 7.15pm to return to the Square…
Monday, 22 December 2014 - 09:00