Channel Tunnel Safety Review Urged

Liberal Democrat MP Norman Baker has urged a safety review for lorries using the Channel Tunnel, following a fire which caused major disruption to services.

The Lib Dem transport spokesman says hazardous cargos such as radioactive material should be banned, and wants the limit on fuel being carried reduced from 1,500 litres to 300 litres to reduce the risk of fire.

Mr Baker wants the introduction of fully-enclosed lorry carriages, rather than the partially open-sided ones currently in use between the Folkestone Cheriton and Calais Coquelles tunnel terminals. He says the government has been complacent in not pushing the Channel Tunnel Safety Authority to adopt stricter rules.