Why no 'aire' at the tunnel UK side? Forums

jimbo_hippo

Just found out my kids don't finish at lunchtime on the last school day this summer. it's the usual home time. So I'm one of those trawling round for a late arrivals site near the tunnel wondering if the info is up to date etc. Should find something quite easily and thats not really my point.

I have to wonder why the tunnel itself doesn't open an aire-style parking area. They could make a good bit of cash with that scheme. And people would probably use the facilities for food, drinks etc rather than unpack. Electric on a coin system? Water etc? Wouldn't be averse to paying over the odds for the guarantee and location either. Whenever I've used the tunnel there always seems to no shortage of space and they keep squeeking about a shortage of cash!

I'm sure there's the usual idea that it'll be like a gypsy site. Well stick some trees up, make it entry only with a valid ticket etc. Seems like a no-brainer to me!

pippin

Good idea!

Why not write to the tunnel operators and put your suggestion to them.

Perhaps ask them to do some research on the numbers of motorhomes transiting the tunnel.

Point out that it could be an incentive to shift MHs onto less popular train times (dep & arr) if MHers knew that stop-over facilities are available.

Grizzly

What a very good idea. I don't doubt that the tunnel owners will have a ready negative answer however and I bet it includes the words " travellers" or whatever the current politically correct term is.

I can hear them now: Motorhomers use the tunnel don't they ? So why should we go to even a small additional expense to make them welcome. They're not going to swtich to the ferry because we don't provide an aire.

Worth a try however.

G

some-where-in-oxford

They actually just reported their first profits in April, following more restructuring of their finances.

Would be worth seeing if they have an answer.

Chairman and chief executive is Jacques Gounon,
Eurotunnel
B.P. 69
F-62904 Coquelles Cédex
France

Rapide561

Hi

On a slightly similar theme, users of Trans Europa ferries - sailing on the early crossing, are allowed to park in the dock area at Ramsgate. No hook up or anything though.

Russell

autostratus · Moderator

CompleteNutter

Why stay in England - Cross to Calais on the boat ( it's cheaper than the tunnel)
Get off the boat drive down the road to the roundabout and drive back into the port parking
There's always a MH or 20 there and they have security guards with dogs patrolling
We have stopped there since 1992 and it's a good free night's stopover

mickyc

Or get a late night tunnel (cheaper rates at night) and stop on Aires near Calais ferry Port. (or the carpark mentioned on "completenutters" post)

We've stopped at Maidstone services before (which is a tenner) but now get a cheaper tunnel, and save a tenner to boot !!

As a general rule, the sooner you get away from this motorhome unfriendly jobsworth/NIMBY riddled country, the better Wink