Ex post analysis of the regional impacts of major infrastructure: the Channel Tunnel 10 years on.

England for travel to and from the EU, 1993 to 2002. This shows that the Channel
Tunnel gained a substantial share of the market between 1994 and 1998 when it
peaked at 18%, however, from 1998 the market share of the Tunnel decreased by over
3%. The market share held by the Kent Ports fell continuously from 1994 onwards.
There was significant growth in the market share of Stansted Airport from 1995
onwards: a result of the increasing popularity of low-cost airlines flying directly and
cheaply to EU destinations. The market shares of Heathrow and Gatwick have been
declining since 1993 though Gatwick experienced a slight increase from 1999
onwards.

□ Dover & Folkestone

□ Channel Tunnel

□ Stansted

■ Gatwick

□ Heathrow

Figure 5: Travel to the EU (excluding Ireland) - Market Share of Main SE Ports
(1993 - 2002)

Source: IPS, UK Residents, Travel Trends

The S.E Ports have a larger share of the market to ‘near Europe’ countries (Belgium,
France, Germany and the Netherlands) and the Channel Tunnel has a much larger
share of this market, peaking at 33% in 1998 (Figure 6).

The reduction in traffic, and Tunnel market share, since 1998 is a product of a number
of factors. The loss of duty-free privileges for cross-Channel travellers led to a
reduction in the motivation for much day-trip traffic and was also associated with an
increase in fares. The growth of low-cost airlines brought alternative destinations
within easy reach, especially for those living to the north and west of London with
easy access to airports such as Stansted and Luton. Safety and security concerns may
also have led to a reduction in discretionary trip making.

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