Channel tunnel opens for freight

Freight services will start running through the Channel tunnel this week, more than a year after it should have opened, after Eurotunnel was granted its operating certificates at the weekend.

The first invited lorries will use the Eurotunnel shuttle service between Folkestone and Calais on Thursday. Through train services for freight are likely to start at the weekend.

For the first month there will only be a limited Le Shuttle service for hauliers, with the 'turn-up-and-go' facility starting in July. A full service for cars should start in October.