Channel Tunnel sees summer boost
7th September 2010
Tossing concerns about provision of breakdown cover aside, a record number of motorists used the Channel Tunnel to travel to Europe this summer.
Operator Eurotunnel said 533,238 vehicles travelled between Folkestone and Calais on Eurotunnel passenger shuttles during July and August - a 17% jump on the number recorded this time last year.
A record 14,825 cars and 150 coaches made the trip to Calais on August 14.
Despite Eurotunnel taking care of most of the journey, drivers were still reminded to make sure they had European breakdown cover for their stint behind the wheel.
One-way records were also broken this summer, with 9,382 vehicles (including cars) travelling from Folkestone on July 23 and the France to England all-time high being surpassed on August 29, with 8,869 vehicles travelling.
On July 21, Eurotunnel celebrated the crossing of the 250 millionth passenger transported through the tunnel since services started in 1994.
Commercial director Jo Willacy said: "The intense activity through the summer shows that "Le Shuttle" is the perfect answer to our customers expectations: it is value for money and respectful of the environment.
"Our whole commercial strategy is aimed at increasing our traffic and our performance this summer is an incentive to continue in the same vein."
Copyright © Press Association 2010
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