By simulating the new parking lot access solution, the modeling team was able to show that Eurotunnel’s proposal was feasible: the new access plan would increase usage (with a rate of more than 90% over much of the afternoon) and this would have several positive effects: rather than idling in traffic jams, customers would wait in the carpark or in the terminal’s shops and restaurants, which made the experience more comfortable for the customer and more profitable for the businesses. More cars in the parking lot would mean reduced congestion downstream and faster travel time between the customs checkpoints. Improving parking access also acted as a cushion for peak arrivals, especially for vehicles that arrived well in advance of their shuttle reservation.
On the basis of this feasibility study, Eurotunnel went ahead with the infrastructure work, which should be completed in 2020.