Cash to cut 1,500 tanker trips

Stena's ferries need regular supplies of fuel

Roads in Pembrokeshire are to be free of tankers delivering fuel to a major ferry operator after funds for a permanent storage centre were approved.

Welsh Assembly Environment Minister Sue Essex has earmarked £334,000 for Stena Line Limited to eliminate the need for daily fuel trips to Fishguard.

The grant will enable the company to develop a fuel bunker storage facility at the ferry terminal, with future supplies being delivered by sea.

Sue Essex AM: 'Welcome boost'

The move will do away with more than 1,500 tanker journeys each year on the county's roads.

Ms Essex said the UK Government's announcement of the Freight Facilities Grant was a welcome boost to the region.

"At present, heavy road tankers are required to carry fuel to the ferries from the Texaco terminal at Pembroke," she said.

"Approximately five 28-mile return journeys are made each day.

"This grant is wonderful news for the people of Pembrokeshire.

"The environmental benefits of moving freight to water and off Wales' roads are clear, and I hope that other freight operators will follow suit.

'Hazardous traffic'

"Through the grant, operators can do their bit for the environment and at no extra cost to them."

Pembrokeshire councillor, Brian Hall, who is responsible for environment and transportation, added: "Anything which takes hazardous traffic, particularly heavy goods vehicles, off the road is to be welcomed."

A Stena Line spokesman said: "Stena Line welcome this grant. Securing environmental improvements is consistent with Stena Line's long-term aims and objectives."