Transport & Logistic’s magazine editor Ciaran Jarosz gives his forthright opinion on Calais migrant crisis debate:
“In the eyes of the media it’s been a mixed bag of opinion regarding the migrant crisis in Calais, with subsections of the public finding sympathy with their situation and others being angered at the blatant disregard for order and the international boundaries of our proud country. But of course, now the crisis is starting to take its toll on the industry, and those facing the greatest risks and commercial challenges are the transportation and logistics operators who support all aspects of UK industry with goods, produce and trade.
“But what exactly is the nature of our current crisis? The answer is “Operation Stack”. Although the operation is a measure brought in to provide an alternative route for commercial vehicles in extreme situations, the situations for its use are intended more for cases of extreme weather, industrial action, fire, derailments or other unavoidable problems – not to work around the issues of migration from Calais. But now, as a result drivers are facing 18-hour queues before they can even enter the tunnel on the UK side, which is having a major impact on trade, transportation and all associated industries.
“What can we do about this? The simple answer is that the situation in Calais remains one that people have very mixed viewpoints and even those willing to act, are somewhat limited in how they can and as such, the problem and solution is simple – to boycott Calais. By utilising other, like-ports across the coast in France or Belgium our industry can quite simply, and easily adapt to the situation in Calais in a way which will overcome the horrendous effects of the crisis and not place such a damning damper on the UK’s industry.”
