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They talk about awarding contracts in big numbers and environmental benefits of huge investment doesnt actually say who is footing the bill. As part of the planning permission for further development at Trinity Terminal, the owners of Felixstowe Port were told they they had to finance the road/rail improvement work themselves. So like any good business that has had a kick in the teeth they pass it on to their customers. At £5.50 per loaded container into or out of Felixstowe, every user has been forced to cough up even though they have no contract/agreement to do so.
That doesnt sound like a lot of money on a per container basis, but this is set to continue for many years until it is paid off. Rather like the tolls at Dartford river crossing.
Meanwhile over in Europe there is plenty of environmental development involving ports and railway infrastructure which is solely funded from the public purse. I am affected by this impossition and see first hand the additional work this is putting on to the private sector in collecting this 'development tax' and of course there is nothing my industry can do about it (we tried) and it only opens the flood gates for other similar schemes. Problem is they just dont pass on all the facts just spin the glossy bits and wave the environmental banner. Is there any justice out there??
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