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Move migrant camp away from Port of Calais, urges Freight Transport Association

THE UK Freight Transport Association (FTA) has urged French authorities to move the migrant camp away from the Port of Calais, making it more difficult for them to harass truckers into giving them lifts to England, reports Lloyd's Loading List.

The call came after news that a planned rail freight service between the Pyrenees and Calais has been shelved over migrant security fears.

The intermodal service, operated by SNCF Logistics rail freight subsidiary VIIA, was due to start carrying unaccompanied road trailers on the route yesterday with a key market being Spanish goods bound for the UK.

But VIIA says the plan has been suspended until it can ensure "optimal safety conditions for all".

The new service would use a section of track running close to the Jungle Camp, with trains travelling at less than 12 mph as they approach the port. VIIA says that although systems are in place, the migrants' presence has raised a "rail traffic safety issue" that cannot be ignored.

"This is yet another example of this vital trade route being affected by the actions of the migrants in Calais," said FTA's European affairs manager Chris Yarsley.

"The French government needs to move the camp away from the port as soon as possible and ensure the area is secure for transport operators.

"This will affect those who ship by road, rail and sea and will dent confidence in the Eurotunnel as a viable option. We need to move freight off the roads and onto rail - this isn't going to help achieve that aim," he said.