Eurotunnel and SNCF-Réseau, the infrastructure arm of the French state-owned rail company, has agreed on an action plan that it hopes will stop migrants disrupting international rail traffic in Calais.
SNCF-Réseau will construct 13 kilometres of high security fencing and clear vegetation outside of the Channel Tunnel perimeter in order to try and prevent migrants from attempting to board trains bound for Britain.
The agreement follows an announcement in July when Eurotunnel said it planned to put up 29 kilometres of 4-metre high fencing and strengthen the existing fencing around the railway.
In July, Eurotunnel said it had already spent €13 million on security in Calais so far this year – the equivalent of the entire security budget for 2014.
The announcement provides some reassurance to operators who have already voiced their concern about the impact the situation will have on international rail freight traffic in and out of the UK.
Geoff Spencer, chief executive of DB Schenker Rail UK, said: “We need immediate and concerted action; enhancement to security fencing at Calais Frethun, increases in security manpower and inter-agency co-operation – all are critical to ensure uninterrupted rail freight services can resume.
“Without these the consequences for the future of international rail freight will be very grave. Our customers cannot and will not wait whilst the UK and French authorities debate what might be done and by when. Action is needed today.
“I cannot stress too much the importance for UK business of international rail freight services returning to normal as soon as possible.”
If there is a risk of intruders on the track, freight or passenger trains should travel at reduced speed (say 30km/h which is the speed limit for cars and lorries near schools). Once the train has passed the intruders, line speed could be resumed. This would soon remind intruders that rail tracks can be dangerous places to loiter on.