The port of Calais and surrounding roads are blocked as of this morning (5 September) due to a blockade of trucks protesting over disruption from the refugee camp.
Main routes into the French town will be completely blocked throughout the day due to the 60 trucks and 100 agricultural vehicles barricading the A16 from Boulogne and Dunkirk, according to the Freight Transport Association (FTA).
The protest was set to start at 7.30am in Boulogne and Dunkirk with roadblocks on both sides of the carriageway on the A16, which will slowly approach Calais, arriving at around 10am.
The FTA has advised hauliers to avoid the area and make alternative plans for crossing the Channel where possible, and warned the action will “cause chaos” on both sides of the Channel and could have “devastating impact” on trade.
“FTA doesn't support this kind of direct action because of the effect it has on members' businesses and the huge costs involved,” said FTA EU affairs manager, Chris Yarsley.
David Sagnard, president of Calais-based Carpentier Transport & Logistique, said the action will paralyse the town and prevent vehicles entering and leaving the port, but claimed that transport operators and local businesses have no choice because “the migrant situation is out of control”.
There have been escalating tensions in the camps recently, with calls for the French government to relocate the camp away from Calais.
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