Passengers on ferries taking them from Dover to property in France close to the popular port of Calais could be subject to new protection following the introduction of rules by the European Parliament.

As part of the fallout from the eruption of Icelandic volcano Eyjafjallajokull – and the ash cloud that grounded aircraft across the continent – the European authority is looking to make other modes of tourist transport fairer and more robust.

From 2012, passengers travelling to property in France would be protected against any delays or cancellations to their journey.

Similarly to airlines, passengers are to be entitled to meals or snacks, depending on the duration of the delay.

If a ferry link is cancelled completely, passengers are also promised the right to alternative transport arrangements, a full refund or a free return to their initial point of departure.

Bob Atkinson, travel expert at product comparison site travelsupermarket.com, suggests that, in order to comply with the regulations, it may be necessary for some ports to provide food facilities that they currently do not have.

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