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Transporters demand Calais action
[ February 17, 2016 // Chris ]The Freight Transport Association (FTA) is today (17 February) calling for urgent action to protect trade links between the UK and Europe when it meets with Xavier Bertrand, new president of the Nord Pas de Calais Picardie region.
Mr Bertrand called the meeting in Calais with transport stakeholders including the Port of Dover, P&O Ferries, Eurotunnel and the Fédération Nationale des Transports Routiers to discuss the impact of the crisis on transport and to explore potential solutions. A number of proposals will be drawn up which will be presented to the UK and French governments and the European Union.
FTA estimates that disruptions last summer caused by industrial action at the port of Calais and increased migrant activity cost the UK freight industry £750,000 a day. The Jungle camp is now home to around 5,000 migrants and there are daily attacks on lorries and drivers. FTA members have reported an increase in violence and the unrest has prompted indefinite suspension of the new VIIA Britanica freight rail link between Calais and Le Boulou.
FTA head of European policy, Pauline Bastidon, said: “We want to see the camp moved away from the road and the port and Eurotunnel facility secured against migrant incursion. Our members need a safe and secure area to wait with their trucks.”