THE VOLCANIC ash fiasco and fears of an early repeat could trigger a switch towards 'ferry and drive holidays' among holidaymakers heading for Europe this summer.

That's the hope of leading ferry lines as National Ferry Fortnight (May 8-22) offers a range of improved services and special bargain deals, many listed on new website www.discoverferries.co.uk.

With more than 40 million ferry journeys made from Britain each year, the big ferry firms see their cheap fares for early bookers as a trump card in a penny-pinching summer, particularly if sterling continues to suffer against foreign currencies.

Holiday makers who take the car on holiday can avoid car hire charges which are rising in popular resorts, and if they get stuck, it is easy to fix an emergency hotel. They can also take far more luggage than budget airlines allow.

Patrick Daly, from The Association of British Tour Operators to France (ABTOF), says: "There has been a dramatic surge in enquiries and bookings for most types of holidays in France over the last week or so.

"The flight ban has clearly shaken confidence. The ease, affordability and pleasant nature of a self-drive holiday to France is now a big attraction."

National Ferry Fortnight is set to outline massive future investment in ships and more than £1 billion of improvements between now and 2011.

On top of that, ferry firms are launching offers for summer 2010 to attract passengers who may be nervous of relying too heavily on airlines for the next few weeks.