Channel Tunnel bans UK-bound freight trains as stowaway fear mounts
Time：2015-09-08
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Due to inadequate security at state-owned railway SNCF`s (Societe nationale des chemins de fer) marshalling yard in Frethun, near enough to the Channel Tunnel officials have ceased to allow freight trains to the UK.
The ban does not affect trucks or freight trains from the UK. Infiltration by migrants through the Frethun yard, whose tracks eventually join the Eurotunnels have markedly increased recently.
Trains must stop at the Frethun yard for locomotive changes before going through the tunnel, giving stowaways a chance to board trains as they depart.
Work on protecting the site with two kilometres of perimeter fencing has started, but there was no official confirmation of estimates that it would take 10 days to complete.
The UK`s leading rail freight operator, Germany`s DB Schenker Rail, called on "the UK and French governments to take urgent measures to allow uninterrupted transits to recommence".
DB Schenker Rail CEO Geoff Spencer said there was a need for "immediate and concerted action; enhancement to security fencing at Calais Frethun, increases in security manpower and inter-agency cooperation are critical to ensure uninterrupted rail freight services can resume.