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Cross-Channel ferry strike called off hours before Easter getaway Cross-Channel ferry strike called off hours before Easter getaway
(about 2 hours later)
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.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.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.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."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. Around 7 million motorists are expected to head for a break in the UK or Europe over the Easter Break, and British airports are expecting around 2 million passengers.
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." Around 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.
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. Mark Tanzer, the chief executive of the 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."
The weather should remain dry at least, says the Met Office, but snow will be slow to thaw, which could mean tricky driving conditions. With British summer time due to begin on Sunday, there may be a touch more sun in some areas, less strong winds and rising temperatures over the weekend, but the latter will still be well below normal for the time of year.
Travel hotspots - browse our collaborative map of where to avoid The weather should remain dry at least, the Met Office said, but snow will be slow to thaw, which could mean tricky driving conditions.
Guardian readers have plotted the black spots to avoid on busy bank holiday weekends and getaways - click on a balloon to find out more about which area to avoid.
To contribute to the map, sign in to Google and open the map, click 'edit' above and add your placemark with a short description of why this place is best to avoid over the holiday period - please don't add time-specific or live information - this map is for general hotspots and tips for holidaytravel. You can add pictures and links to your description if you like too. Viewing on mobile? Click here to see the map.