New Calais truckstop targets UK operators

For one of Europe's major transport crossroads, Calais is not particularly blessed when it comes to the infrastructure needed to serve road transport. No UK operator in their right mind will stop in a public location in the wider Calais area for fear of unwittingly taking on non-paying passengers, while the facilities within the Calais port complex are lamentably poor.

Now, though, a brand-new business promises to meet all the needs of hauliers using Calais, with two key attractions, a high level of security and a comprehensive refuelling service.

All4Trucks is located just off the A16, one mile east of the major junction with the A26. The 7.6-hectare site is the result of a four-year, €14 million (£12 million) investment, and has an initial capacity of 150 artics, which will rise to 310 by the end of April. It opened for business on 30 January and has so far seen a maximum of 50 trucks parked up for the weekend.

Security at the site is impressive, starting with a two-stage fence. The outer part is 2.0m high and is backed by another, which is 2.5m high and electrified. Access is through a three-lane double barrier gate system, 4.2m wide, with all trucks having front and rear registration plates recorded by video. Cab-height ticket machines are duplicated each side to accommodate RHD trucks. On arrival, each truck is checked over by the full-time on-site security patrol, complete with a mean-looking hound, to ensure the 'sterile' site isn't contaminated with stowaways already on board. The security patrols are doubled at night, and the local police also have free access to carry out random patrols. It was interesting to note while talking to British drivers on site that they had high praise for the Calais police for their firm treatment of stowaways and helpfulness to drivers.

The main building is freely accessible from an outside car park, but access to and from the truck park is through a security turnstile. When construction of the second half of the hard-standing is complete, it will include designated areas for fridges and hazardous loads.

The million-litre, 14-pump fuel station is equally impressive, including four lanes with AdBlue pumps and two with red diesel. Payment is purely by agency card, with most major cards already signed up.

The main building has a 200-seat restaurant/bar, with a fifties Franco-American style and serving food that wouldn't disgrace a good mid-range UK bistro in terms of quality and variety. Main meals are priced from €4 to €8 (£3.50 to £7.00). A large shop sells everything from baguettes and cans of cassoulet to truck accessories, and other amenities include wi-fi, internet terminals and a cash machine. Cleanliness is ensured thanks toplenty of showers (13 in the men's section) and washing machines and driers.

After a free first hour, parking charges are €2.50 per hour (£2.20), €25.00 (£22) per 24 hours and €37.50 (£34.00) for the weekend, with contract discounts available.

The British drivers we spoke to felt this was a fair price for a secure environment and without the mess they say is frequently left behind by eastern European drivers who would be unlikely to pay for parking. They did say, however, that they would appreciate some of the chargeable facilities or a meal being included in the cost. The only other criticism heard was that the signage on the approaches was unclear, particularly regarding the free hour's parking, and we felt that given the large UK target market, the otherwise friendly and helpful staff would benefit from a bit more skill in spoken English.