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I P NEWS EXTRA Channel-hopping no longer a chore with ALL4Trucks _
Page 10
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I 11lb Wttik
Drivers passing through Calais can now benefit from All4Trucks' new truckstop. Proper security, lots of parking and reasonably priced meals? We just had to visit.
Words / images: Colin Barnett
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 wants their trucks stopping in a public location in the wider Calais area for fear of unwittingly taking on non-paying passengers, while the facilities in the Calais port complex are lamentably poor. Now a 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.
Major investment All4Trucks is located just off the Alfi, one mile east of the major junction with the A26. The 7.6-hectare site is the result of a four-year, €14m (112m) 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 2m high and is backed by another, which is 2.5in 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 BM) trucks.
On arrival, each truck is checked over by the full-time, on-site security patrol. complete with a mean-looking dog, to ensure the 'sterile' site isn't contaminated with stowaways already onboard. The security patrols are doubled at night and the local police force also has free access to carry out random patrols.
It was interesting to note that British drivers on site 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 hardstanding is complete, it will include areas for fridges and hazardous loads.
The one million-litre, 14-pump fuel station is equally impressive, including four lanes with AdBlue pumps and two with red diesel. Payment is by agency card only, with most major cards already signed up.
The main building has a 200seat restaurant/bar, with a 1950s Franco-American style, which serves 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). A large shop sells everything from baguettes to truck accessories, and other amenities include wi-fl, intemet terminals and a cash machine. Cleanliness is ensured thanks to plenty of showers (13 in the men's section) and washing machines and driers.
Parking charges After a free first hour. parking charges are €2.50 per hour (£2.20). €25 (122) per 24 hours and €37.50 (£34) 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 add, 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. • • For more information, log on to: www.a1141rucks.com
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