The FTA has reiterated previous calls for action over migrant build-ups in northern France after a new rail freight service to the port of Calais was postponed due to safety concerns.
VIIA, a subsidiary of French rail network operator SNCF, was due to begin operating a new rail freight service for unaccompanied trailers (pictured) from Le Boulou, in southern France, to Calais on 12 January but announced the day before that its plans had been put on hold, as migrants’ presence in Calais had “raised a rail traffic safety issue”.
A spokeswoman for VIIA told Motortransport.co.uk: “Our priority is to avoid any incident and to ensure the safety of all persons, as well as the goods entrusted [to us] by our customers.” She went on to explain that trains would be crossing Calais at limited speed on their approach to the port’s rail terminal and that people “might be near the rail tracks”.
VIIA has been in discussion with local police and rail safety teams about additional measures to help address the problem and hopes to launch the new service soon, she added.
Chris Yarsley, FTA’s EU affairs manager, said the decision was “yet another example of this vital trade route being affected by the actions of the migrants in Calais” and called for the French government to move the migrant camp away from the port as soon as possible.
“Our members have endured months of delays, disruptions and threats to their personal safety while travelling through Calais. This situation cannot be allowed to continue to adversely affect the livelihoods of transport operators who need to use this route,” he said.
Earlier this month, the FTA criticised plans for a second migrant camp in northern France near Dunkirk and called for the existing camp at Calais to be moved further away from the port.
