As the summer holidays beckon, the French authorities in Calais have come up with a novel idea to entice British travellers to visit the town.

The town’s political leaders have suggested that Britons could be allowed to drive on the left-hand side of the road.

The scheme may sound like an April Fool’s joke but the port town is concerned that adverse publicity surrounding migrant camps has hit the tourist trade, with many holidaymakers choosing to make their getaway as quickly as possible.

Xavier Bertrand, president of the Northern France region said he wants to make tourists feel more welcome.

“I have the dream of the British coming here and we let them drive on the left in Calais – or somewhere else in Hauts-de-France. It would show they are welcome.”

Quite how the scheme would work is uncertain, but one idea is for the initiative to be trialled on a French bank holiday next year.

But it has been given short shrift from motoring groups and politicians.

Philip Gomm of the RAC Foundation said: “This is a grand gesture and a sign the entente cordiale is alive and well.

"However, with many Brits abroad already struggling to understand which side of the road they should be on this suggestion might only add to the confusion.

"Perhaps instead they should put out the bunting and fly the Union Jack.”

And Dover and Deal MP Charlie Elphicke said the scheme sounded like a publicity stunt. “It’s a bit of fun but I can’t seriously see it working.”