Truck driver tries to hit migrants on highway in France
Disturbing video has emerged of a truck driver purposefully swerving towards migrants walking on the side of the road on a highway in Calais, near where thousands are living in 'inhuman' conditions at a camp known as 'the Jungle' in France.
The video was posted to YouTube and shows a truck driver shouting as he speeds towards people walking alongside a highway, the crowds fleeing to get out of the way.
It highlights growing tensions in France as the country tries to grapple with the worsening migrant crisis.
Migrants scramble to flee the truck driver targeting them on the side of the road. Photo: YouTube
On Monday France's top administrative court gave the government one week to start cleaning up the migrant camp known as "the Jungle" near the northern port of Calais where it said thousands are living in "inhuman" conditions.
Truck drivers have started to arm themselves with tasers, Express UK reports, as desperate migrants try to climb into trucks and smuggle themselves into the UK.
Conditions in the camp "expose the migrants... to inhuman or degrading treatment," said the Council of State.
It ordered authorities "to begin in one week installing more water taps, toilets and rubbish collection services, to clean the site and to allow access for emergency services."
It highlights growing tensions in France as the country tries to grapple with the worsening migrant crisis. Photo: YouTube
Local authorities estimate there are 4,500 people currently living in makeshift camps around Calais.
Almost all of the migrants, most from the Middle East and Africa, are trying to reach Britain, but tighter security has frustrated attempts to smuggle their way across the Channel.
Migrants and refugees gather within the makeshift 'Jungle' migrant and refugee camp in Calais, northern France. Photo: Getty
Mounting frustration has led to clashes with police in recent months, and increasing reports of violence and theft around The Jungle.
Doctors of the World and Catholic Relief Services, as well as other NGOs, have appealed for an end to the "serious human rights violations" suffered by the migrants living in the camp where the number of inhabitants has nearly doubled since the end of September.
Work started earlier this month to build improved accommodation.
Bulldozers started flattening a sprawling area of four hectares within the camp, to provide more permanent, heated shelters for families.
