After responding to a court ruling in favour of the French government’s plan to clear part of the migrant camp in Calais the Freight Transport Association (FTA) has called it a ‘step in the right direction’.
The camp, which has been called a ‘Jungle’ is set to be cleared after a court in France stated that eviction of the camp was legal.
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The camp is called home by around 5,000 migrants, the majority of which are reportedly looking to reach Britain by crossing the Channel. Members of the FTA have reported an increase in violence and unrest with migrants attacking lorries and drivers on a daily basis. Many drivers are now being told to avoid stopping in areas on the approach to the port and Eurotunnel.
The problems started back in the summer of 2015, where migrants where arriving in mass numbers at the French port looking to get across the Channel.
FTA’s Head of European Policy – Pauline Bastidon, had this to say about the decision: “FTA welcomes the decision to start clearing the Jungle camp in Calais. We appreciate the need for careful consideration – as the clearance of the camp could be seen as violating the fundamental rights of the migrants. However, considerations should also be given to the rights of our members to go about their work without fear of violence or intimidation.
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She continued to say “Disruption caused in part by migrant activity last year cost the UK freight industry an estimated £750,000 a day, and we do not want to see that situation repeated. £89 billion worth of UK trade passes through the port every year so it’s crucial that a solution is found as a matter of urgency.”
The progress that has been made in the recent months has been encouraging, with an increase to security the main change including fencing around the Calais area. But the FTA are urging French and UK authorities to complete the secure truck parking facilities and the registration of migrants as a matter of urgency.
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