Lorry traffic on major Dumfries and Galloway road soars due to closure of Welsh port

Lorry traffic on major Dumfries and Galloway road soars due to closure of Welsh port

Lorry traffic on one of Dumfries and Galloway’s main roads has soared due to the closure of a Welsh port. The situation on the A75 is likely to continue until at least the middle of January. Hauliers are having to use ferry services between Cairnryan and Northern Ireland after crossing between Holyhead and Ireland was cancelled due to the Anglesey port being damaged during Storm Darragh.

The Road Haulage Association claims that the closure of Holyhead port has seen HGV traffic on the A75 increase by 25 per cent in the space of a week. The Department for Transport has temporarily loosened some rules relating to lorry drivers’ working hours due to the increased traffic volumes on this route.

Holyhead is not expected to reopen until January 15 at the earliest. The Road Haulage Association’s policy director for Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, Martin Reid, mentioned that with the closure of Holyhead port, increased volumes of Christmas passenger traffic, and regular weather warnings, they are actively working to limit disruption during this busy period of the year.

In the days following the closure of Holyhead, there were significant delays of up to three hours on ferry services between Cairnryan and Larne. Nearly 500 lorries were parked at Castle Kennedy as part of Operation Overflow. However, the situation has started to ease with additional sailings being added to the Stena Line timetable.

Transport Scotland and its operational partners have implemented Operation Overflow, a contingency plan to manage the increased freight traffic at Cairnryan without putting a strain on communities and the road network. They are advising road users to check with Traffic Scotland for live updates on the trunk road network and to plan their journey accordingly.

The Road Haulage Association is working closely with decision-makers to find solutions that will help navigate the current situation until freight and passenger movements return to normal levels beyond the Christmas period.

Insights:
The closure of the Holyhead port has had a significant impact on lorry traffic in Dumfries and Galloway, leading to increased congestion on the A75 route. The temporary measures taken by authorities and ferry companies show collaborative efforts to manage the situation efficiently and ensure minimal disruption to freight and passenger movements during this busy period. Road users are encouraged to stay informed and plan their journeys carefully amidst the ongoing changes in ferry services and traffic patterns.