Plans to trial a “quick-to-market” route for vehicles carrying fresh produce that are caught up in continuing delays at the Channel Tunnel, have been welcomed by the Scottish Government.
But seafood industry leaders last night called for long-term contingency plans to handle transport disruption rather than a “sticking-plaster solution”.
The scheme will be operated by Kent Police and will prioritise key consignments – including fresh produce – through the Channel Tunnel and Port of Dover.
The move comes after industry leaders and Scotland’s Fisheries Secretary Richard Lochhead called for urgent action to reduce the impact of the Calais crisis on fresh seafood exports to Europe.
The crisis is said to have cost the UK economy millions of pounds as hauliers are forced to dispose of contaminated goods and wait in lengthy queues on the M20 in Kent.
Industry bosses in Scotland have warned that north-east processors are on the brink of collapse, as sales of fresh Scottish langoustines have dropped 80% and processors struggle with a sharp fall off in sales over recent weeks.
Lorries have repeatedly been targeted by migrants desperately trying to reach Britain.
Last month some vehicles carrying fish from the Highlands to the continent were damaged by protesters in France.
Mr Lochhead last night said that “common sense” had prevailed.
He said: “At last we are seeing common sense prevail and a recognition of the impact on food exporters.
“Agreement of this protocol to prioritise a quick-to-market route is real progress and we will, of course, monitor its introduction and effectiveness.
“While it is by no means a solution to the wider and ongoing complex situation in Calais, it will be welcomed by Scottish seafood exporters who have seen orders plummet by up to 80% in some categories in recent weeks.
“These delays at Calais have had a disproportionate and damaging impact on our vital food processing sector.”
Scotland exported £461 million of seafood to Europe last year and seafood exports are worth five times as much in Scotland as the UK.
But Will Clark, chairman of the Scottish Seafood Association, last night called for a more permanent solution to Channel transport disruption.
“There still needs to be contingency plan put in place whether it be industrial action, migrants or a fire,” he said.
“We have to bear in mind the shortest route to market in Europe is either through Dover or the Tunnel.
“We can’t go along with a sticking-plaster solution, we need a suture to ensure the life of the industry continues.
“I would thank the Scottish Government for their efforts, but it is not job done it is only a beginning.”