The FTA called for cross-channel traffic to be protected at a meeting with new president of the Nord Pas de Calais Picardie region, Xavier Bertrand yesterday (Wednesday).
Bertrand called the meeting in Calais with transport stakeholders, including Port of Dover, P&O, and Eurotunnel, to talk about the effect of the crisis on transport flows and explore solutions. The FTA has said that a number of proposals will be put together and then presented to French and British governments, as well as to the European Union.
Pauline Bastidon, FTA head of European policy, said before the meeting: “We welcome today’s 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.”
