THE operator of cross Channel ferry services from Poole has called for the government to open up 'sea lanes' between the UK and the Continent.

Brittany Ferries says that with the UK hitting its 15 million Covid vaccinations target, now is the time to have a re-think on travel corridors.

Ferry bosses believe that by summer, the case for reciprocal 'sea lanes' to France and Spain should be persuasive, especially with vaccination rates rising in these two European countries as well.

Christophe Mathieu, Brittany Ferries' chief executive officer, said: "Vaccine roll-out is moving apace in the UK, thanks to the NHS, volunteers and support of the armed forces.

“While France and Spain are a little behind, the ramp-up is gaining significant momentum.

"We all believe that vaccines are the way out of this dreadful crisis.

"So by spring we think there will be a clear case for the adoption of vaccination-led travel corridors – or in our case sea lanes – that allow holidays to go ahead this summer and for hope to return."

Brittany Ferries operates the Barfleur between the Port of Poole and Cherbourg – and the ferry link is hugely important to the wider Dorset economy.

Last week the company, along with much of the travel sector, criticised Transport Secretary Grant Shapps after he advised against booking holidays on BBC 4's Today programme.

Later, Prime Minister Boris Johnson appeared to side with Mr Shapps, telling the country at the Downing Street press conference that it was "just too early" for people to be certain about what they will be able to do this summer.

In France, health minister Olivier Veran has confirmed that four million people would be vaccinated by the end of February, with this number rising to 43 million by the end of June.

Brittany Ferries says this means around 80 per cent of the adult population of the company's most popular destination should be vaccinated ahead of the summer holiday season.

Mr Mathieu said: "Now is the time for optimism, not a shutdown on the summer getaway.

"Lockdown Britons should look forward to holiday with growing confidence – and the time is ripe for a re-think on travel corridor policy.

"We should all be encouraged to book with companies that offer flexible travel, allowing easy amendments or refunds, in the event that the situation changes in the months ahead."