Gunnel shuttle revealed
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• Details of lorry facilities on the proposed Channel Tunnel shuttle trains have been revealed by Eurotunnel, the Channel Tunnel developer.
Eurotunnel says that shuttle trains will operate with singledeck wagons capable of hand
ling commercial vehicles up to 18m long.
Each shuttle train, consisting of up to 40 wagons carrying cars and commercials, will complete the journey in around 30 minutes travelling at speeds of up to 160km/h. Facilities on the trains are likely to be limited, with vending machines supplying refreshments. Eurotunnel says that drivers will be encouraged to stay in their vehicles.
A 4m height limit on vehicles will operate, along with a 2.5m width limit and 44tonne gross vehicle weight limit for trucks. Coaches will be restricted to a 12m maximum length.
Models of the shuttle train wagons are being exhibited in Eurotunnel's head office in Portland House in London.
fl Plans to raise £200 million in the City of London towards the cost of the £2.4 billion Channel Tunnel have been shelved until September, to ensure there are no problems when Eurotunnel launches a £1 billion share floatation next spring.
The company's financial advisers have advised the company to approach the City when the stock market is healthier.