As the migrant crisis continues in Calais, the FTA have started selling a product on their website to help detect stowaways hiding in the back of lorries.

The detector picks up CO2 emissions within a 40ft range said the FTA, and can send text or email alerts to the driver or transport manager and the manufacturer’s monitoring service using a roaming SIM. 

Settings can be adjusted according to the cargo, so fruit and vegetables that themselves emit CO2 do not cause false alarms. It is portable and can be moved from vehicle to vehicle.

It also has worldwide tracking and is integrated with Google Street Maps.

The device normally costs £299, but is avalible for £199 to FTA members. It has a battery life of between two and four months and requires an £11.99 monthly subscription.

James Hookham, deputy chief executive of the FTA, said: “Anything that makes it safer for drivers to do their job is to be welcomed. This sensor removes the need for them to check their own trucks – something that puts them in serious danger in Calais where there are thousands of migrants milling around.

“FTA has a checklist on its website to advise drivers what action to take when using the French port. We recommend always going through the checks and sensors, even if it takes a bit longer, to avoid hefty fines if migrants are found on board.”