Extra security checks at Eurostar terminal cause second day of chaos
Eurostar is warning passengers not to travel from Paris today as a work to rule by French customs officers is causing a second day of chaos in the Gare du Nord terminal.
The train operator told passengers who do need to travel today to turn up at the gate on time or risk missing their train. "We would recommend not travelling unless necessary, it will be possible to change or refund your ticket below for free should you decide not to travel," it said.
Reports say queues at Paris Gare du Nord were already building up at 6am this morning as French custom officials are questioning all passengers after x-raying their luggage. By 10am, Eurostar said trains were already running up to two hours late.
One passenger told the London Evening Standard: "They [customs officials] are asking us where we live, what our jobs are, and whether we have any money or drugs on us.
"This never normally happens, and it’s pretty intimidating. Once your luggage clears you are normally good to go.
"The customs officials are being extremely aggressive, and causing massive delays. They’re treating everybody as it they’re a problem."
Waits of up to two hours were reported yesterday, the start of a work to rule by five French trade unions, who are arguing that security staff need a pay rise to cope with more difficult checks after Brexit on March 29.
Eurostar said it wasn’t sure how long the work to rule would last, although it is expected to continue for at least the rest of the day. Passengers are being advised to check the live departures and arrival information on its website.
David-Olivier Caron, of the French CFDT union, said: "Customs officers are strictly applying the rules and reinforcing controls."
Philippe Bollengier, from the CGT union, added: "There will be stronger controls. Today you have a demonstration of what is going to happen."
Separately, Eurostar has been forced to cancel several morning and rush-hour evening trains between London and Paris until March 27 for ‘operational reasons’. Details of the cancellations are available on Eurostar.com. A spokeswoman said the cancellations were due to essential train maintenance.
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