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Calais trouble ‘worse than ever’
[ August 11, 2016 // Chris ]There has been further migrant trouble in Calais, reports the Freight Transport Association. It said that in a recent incident, hundreds of migrants were marched from trucks in Calais and lorry roofs were slashed to shreds as stowaways tried to escape from queuing vehicles.
Belfast-based driver Tony Henderson – whose own vehicle was breached by ten migrants at a supposedly secure lorry area at Arras 70 miles from Calais said he saw at least 200 migrants taken from trucks in three hours, adding: “ It’s the worst I’ve ever seen it was just mayhem. They were being marched out in blocks. The French police were doing a great job, and were working flat out. But where does it all stop?”
FTA’s EU affairs manager, Chris Yarsley, said: “How can it be acceptable for our members to work in such extreme conditions on a daily basis? No other industry would be expected to put up with these kind of situations on a daily basis. Drivers are putting themselves at risk just trying to do their job and deliver the goods. As well as threats to their personal safety, they face fines of up to £2,000 per migrant found in their trucks.”
FTA has called for the Jungle Camp in Calais to be moved away from the port and has been working with Border Force and the Government to improve safety and security for its members. Hauliers are encouraged to sign up to Border Force’s Civil Penalty Accreditation Scheme, which offers protection if stowaways are discovered on board their trucks.