The Sangatte refugee camp in northern France closed in 2002

Colin Minister, from Folkestone, was off work for nine weeks because of injuries received in the beating.

"Drivers are carrying things they shouldn't - not weapons as such, but something they can use," he said.

"You can't blame drivers for having something heavy handy," said a Freight Transport Association (FTA) spokesman.

"It is an extremely responsible job to take a high value rig and the load across Europe and bring it back again," said the FTA's Geoff Dossetter.

"Drivers are extremely wise to the problems."

I think attacks have got worse since Sangatte was closed Colin Minister

It is thought there are currently about 400 rough sleepers from abroad living in Calais.

Ashford MP Damian Green has raised concerns about a new information centre due to open in the town which would offer them food and showers.

The Mayor of Calais has denied the new centre will be a "Sangatte 2" following the closure of the refugee camp in 2002.

Tunnel patrols

Mr Minister was attacked with an iron bar by four men he believes were Iraqis.

"One spoke good English and said, 'Tony Blair and your government are killing our people so we are going to start killing you'," he said.

"I think attacks have got worse since Sangatte was closed.

"Illegal immigrants can't get into the (Channel) tunnel now because of barbed wire and more patrols - and there are patrols on the beach as well."

He said he was now parking some distance away from Calais to take his breaks.