Tyres holed on Shuttle
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by Derren Hayes • Hauliers using Le Shuttle are demanding compensation following complaints of tyre damage when entering and leaving the Channel Tunnel railway carriages.
One operator who uses the tunnel frequently has had to replace 12 tyres over the past few months at a cost of nearly £3,000. Le Shuttle officials deny there is a problem but the company has paid sonic hauliers for tyre damage and is currently negotiating compensation with Llanelli-based TD Williams for two damaged tyres costing L400 each.
BOC Distribution International of Spalding, Lines has had a dozen tyres punctured or damaged after coming into contact with the carriage walls, but has received no compensation.
"Unless the driver spots the damage straight away it is difficult to prove where the damage occurs," says HOC maintenance manager Neil Moody.
"It's not a major problem but it's one that should be addressed. It mainly happens to inexperienced drivers but when it affects regulars they get very annoyed as they take a lot of pride in their vehicles." Moody says better guidelines on boarding the carriages would help solve the problem for the drivers and Le Shuttle's marshal's.
Peter Denby of Lincolnbased Denby's Transport has lost two tyres. He has seen vehicles scraping the carriage sides when boardring the train and says this manoeuvre is particularly tricky for inexperienced drivers.
Le Shuttle denies any action is needed and believes some accidents are inevitable now that it is carrying 38,000 vehicles a month.
"The number having problems is too insignificant to take any notice of, says the company. "If someone damages a tyre getting on or off the service we will pay for replacements. We believe the number affected is something in the region of 1 in 10.000," it says.