Opportunity or burden? Plymouth expected to welcome more ferries in the event of no-deal Brexit

There are fears Plymouth won't be able to cope with extra traffic caused by more ferry sailings from the city in the event of a no-deal Brexit. The Government is planning for a dramatic increase in crossings to deal with the anticipated traffic chaos that could be caused around Dover.

A Department for Transport deal with Brittany Ferries will see many more weekly sailings added to its three routes, allowing thousands more lorries a week to come and go.

The news has been met with mixed feelings from businesses and politicians in Plymouth. Many welcome the idea that the government is putting a contingency strategy in place and an increased number of crossings could see more visitors welcomed into Plymouth.

But the main concern is over the port infrastructure in Plymouth, because there is limited tarmac space and just a single A-road connecting the port to the city centre. So there are fears that the potential backlog at Dover could come to Plymouth.

As the Government steps up its preparations for a no-deal Brexit, Brittany Ferries has been awarded a chunk of 108 million pounds to run extra services.

Ports like Plymouth are earmarked to ease the pressure on Dover, where there could be a backlog of traffic if customs checks come into force.

A Road Haulage firm in Plympton does 65% of its business with the continent, sending 7,000 loads to Europe each year.

The Chief Executive cannot see how increasing the number of ferry crossings will remedy the disruption from a no-deal Brexit.

Local MP, Luke Pollard is also concerned that Plymouth's port does not have the road infrastructure to cope with any backlog of freight.

Brittany Ferries say the plans will see 19 additional weekly crossings spread across ports in Plymouth, Poole and Portsmouth - with a 50% increase in freight capacity.

Some suggest this could also present new opportunities.

The Government insists this latest move will keep goods flowing into the country in the event of a no-deal Brexit. But with less than 100 days to go until we leave the European Union many businesses still feel they are being kept in the dark.