Britain’s Road Haulage Association (RHA) says its predictions migrants intent on reaching the UK are using smaller French ports other than the main artery at Calais, are being borne out.
The migrant crisis, which continues to bedevill the Port of Calais and French authorities, has been causing the RHA significant concern for some time, with the association cautioning drivers remain under potential threat.
Go deeper with GlobalData
Discover B2B Marketing That Performs
Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.
“It is apparent migrant activity is growing as the weather improves and our predictions an increase in security at Calais would simply push migrants further afield has become a reality,” said RHA chief executive, Richard Burnett.
“It also appears Dieppe – about half-way between Calais and Le Havre – is becoming the new migrant magnet. Instances of human traffickers using other French ports is also increasing.”
Calais has been the focus for determined refugees fleeing the roiling unrest fomenting in the Middle East for some time, with political unrest driving thousands to seek shelter in Northern Europe, many apparently desperate to reach the UK via Calais trucks.
The RHA is citing comments from one of its members, however, to back its claim drivers are facing possible hostile situations.
“Once again I am gob-smacked [flabbergasted],” said RHA member, Neville Dale. “They are everywhere. I have seen them scaling the fence at Dieppe.
“Just to make it even more difficult, we are now not allowed to park in the Port of Dieppe after leaving the ferry late at night. We now have to run outside of the port to park up and then you are wide open to them.”
The RHA has previously called for France’s military to become involved and urged its drivers not to stop within 100 miles of Calais, which is seen as one of the main conduits to Britain.
“This and other reports we are now receiving clearly show that the migrant situation is far from under control,” added Burnett. “It is essential security, regardless of the size of the French port in question must be increased.
“The lives of hauliers remain under threat and the issue must be tackled. If this does not happen, and quickly, the whole situation is in real danger of spiralling out of control.”
