There has been a significant rise in the volume of traffic on the A75 and A77 between Cairnryan and Gretna following the temporary closure of the port at Holyhead after Storm Darragh, reports Peter Brown.
Access to the Republic Of Ireland has been curtailed, with the port likely to be closed until 15 January 2025. This has forced drivers to seek alternative routes, and the Belfast-to-Cairnryan crossing is the main one.
This has meant longer journey times, so the RHA worked with Transport Scotland and DfT to secure a temporary relaxation of drivers’ hours for drivers of vehicles impacted by this port closure which has caused long queues, delays and disruption at a number of ports across the country.
RHA policy director for Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales Martin Reid said: “After a lot of work over the weekend and some great support from out of hours staff at Transport Scotland and DfT, we were able to secure a temporary relaxation of certain parts of driver’s hours on behalf of our sector.
“This relaxation will help to support the industry during this period of upheaval at our busiest time and allow companies to reposition vehicles back to where they need them to be.”
Police said an increase in the number of lorries heading for Cairnryan prompted Operation Overflow to be activated with traffic being ‘stacked’ at nearby Castle Kennedy.
