Strike called off day before start of holiday weekend in which 7m motorists are expected to head for break in UK or Europe
A strike that threatened to caused long delays for cross-Channel ferry passengers has been called off hours before the start of the big Easter getaway.
French port control officers abandoned their planned industrial action early on Thursday after successful late-night talks, allowing thousands of people to endure no more than the usual holiday travel stress.
Calais, Dieppe and Cherbourg were among ports threatened by the strike, which had prompted fears of traffic buildups on roads leading to ferry services.
"This is excellent news for British holidaymakers," said P&O Ferries spokesman Chris Laming. The company had previously warned passengers to expect disruption on Thursday and Friday.
About 2 million people are expected to travel through British airports over the Easter period with about 7 million motorists heading for a break in the UK or Europe. About 10% more trains than last Easter will be running, but there will be engineering work at Reading and on the west coast mainline in the west Midlands.
Mark Tanzer, the chief executive of travel association Abta, said: "After two wet summers and no end in sight to the winter, many Brits are desperate for some sunshine. We've seen a surge in last-minute bookings to warm destinations and ski lovers are also in for a treat with some of the best snow conditions seen for years."
With British summer time due to begin on Sunday, there may be a touch more sun in some areas, less strong winds, at least until Sunday, and rising temperatures over the weekend but these will still be well below normal for the time of year.
The weather should remain dry at least, says the Met Office, but snow will be slow to thaw, which could mean tricky driving conditions. Reported by guardian.co.uk 14 hours ago.
A strike that threatened to caused long delays for cross-Channel ferry passengers has been called off hours before the start of the big Easter getaway.
French port control officers abandoned their planned industrial action early on Thursday after successful late-night talks, allowing thousands of people to endure no more than the usual holiday travel stress.
Calais, Dieppe and Cherbourg were among ports threatened by the strike, which had prompted fears of traffic buildups on roads leading to ferry services.
"This is excellent news for British holidaymakers," said P&O Ferries spokesman Chris Laming. The company had previously warned passengers to expect disruption on Thursday and Friday.
About 2 million people are expected to travel through British airports over the Easter period with about 7 million motorists heading for a break in the UK or Europe. About 10% more trains than last Easter will be running, but there will be engineering work at Reading and on the west coast mainline in the west Midlands.
Mark Tanzer, the chief executive of travel association Abta, said: "After two wet summers and no end in sight to the winter, many Brits are desperate for some sunshine. We've seen a surge in last-minute bookings to warm destinations and ski lovers are also in for a treat with some of the best snow conditions seen for years."
With British summer time due to begin on Sunday, there may be a touch more sun in some areas, less strong winds, at least until Sunday, and rising temperatures over the weekend but these will still be well below normal for the time of year.
The weather should remain dry at least, says the Met Office, but snow will be slow to thaw, which could mean tricky driving conditions. Reported by guardian.co.uk 14 hours ago.