The Freight Transport Association is calling for urgent action to protect the vital trade link between the UK and Europe at a meeting with Xavier Bertrand, new president of the Nord Pas de Calais Picardie region.
Bertrand called the meeting in Calais with transport stakeholders to discuss the impact of the crisis on transportation flows and to explore potential solutions. A number of proposals will be drawn up which will be presented to both the British and French governments and the European Union.
FTA estimates that disruptions last summer caused by industrial action at the port of Calais and increased migrant activity cost the UK freight industry £750,000 a day.
Pauline Bastidon, FTA Head of European Policy, said: “We welcome this meeting with Mr Bertrand to highlight the impact of the problems at the port of Calais on the UK economy and beyond. £89 billion worth of UK trade passes through the port every year so it’s crucial that we find a solution as a matter of urgency.
“We want to see the camp moved away from the road and the port and Eurotunnel facility secured against migrant incursion. Our members need a safe and secure area to wait with their trucks.”
The meeting was attended by stakeholders from both sides of the Channel including the Port of Dover, P&O Ferries, Eurotunnel and the Fédération Nationale des Transports Routiers.
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