New hi-tech answer to migrants in trucks
The carbon dioxide detector picks up emissions within a 40ft range before sending alerts by text or email to drivers, transport managers and the manufacturer’s monitoring service using a roaming SIM.
Detector settings can be adjusted according to the cargo, so that goods such as fruit and vegetables which themselves emit carbon dioxide, do not trigger false alarms.
FTA deputy chief executive James Hookham said anything that made drivers’ jobs safer was 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,” said Hookham.
‘Hefty fines if migrants are found’
“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.”
Truck drivers can be fined £2,000 for each stowaway discovered on his or her vehicle.
The device – which costs £299 and £199 for FTA members – had worldwide tracking and is integrated with Google Street Maps.
The portable detector can be moved from vehicle to vehicle and has a battery life of between two and four months.
Meanwhile, FTA Ireland has written to foreign affairs and trade minister Charles Flanagan urging him to ensure action is taken so that Irish citizens can use Calais and other French ports without delays or threats.
FTA Ireland' view
“This has huge financial and logistical implications for operators and it can’t be allowed to continue. Every year we are subject to disruptions of some kind at the French ports ...”
Striking ferry workers
Striking ferry workers have caused closures and delays at the port during recent weeks, while migrants have tried board queuing trucks.
FTA Ireland, general manager Neil McDonnell detected a lack of political will to resolve the crisis.
“Dover-Calais is the shortest route to northern continental Europe for most of our members and it is unacceptable that they are having to use other options to avoid the delays and safety risks,” said McDonnell.
“This has huge financial and logistical implications for operators and it can’t be allowed to continue. Every year we are subject to disruptions of some kind at the French ports and the migrant issue this year has simply compounded an ongoing problem.”
Operation Stack on the UK side of the Channel, resulting in up to 20 miles of queuing trucks, had exacerbated the problem for hauliers, creating more delays and additional expense. At its peak, some drivers spent more than 24 hours queuing on the M20 to cross to France, he said.
