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FTA calls for action on Calais

[ March 3, 2016   //   ]

The Freight Transport Association (FTA) has drawn up an action plan to tackle problems at the Port of Calais. It came as Prime Minister David Cameron and French President Francois Hollande met in Amiens to discuss the migrants crisis on 3 March.

The five-point plans includes moving the migrant camp away from the motorway and Eurotunnel terminal to deter migrants from attempting to board commercial vehicles and trains as well as completing the secure parking zone in the port area.

FTA also emphasised the need to maintain the juxtaposed border controls and invest in police and security arrangements to guarantee that drivers’ rights to safe passage through the port are respected. It also supports registration of migrants and processing of asylum claims by the French authorities to legitimise and control those camped out around Calais.

The port of Calais and Eurotunnel should also be declared off-limits to any industrial protests. Last summer’s SeaFrance dispute and resulting congestion led to an upsurge in migrants attempting to board UK-bound trucks.

The ‘Jungle’ migrant camp is currently being partially demolished and its residents offered alternative accommodation, but FTA says there are still repeated incursions into the port and Eurotunnel and attacks on truck drivers which require urgent action.

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