French jail more British drivers
Page 7
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
• The number of drivers jailed in western France on drug smuggling charges has risen by 400% in the past year to 85. French customs are targeting foreign vehicles as border controls relax, says the Foreign Office: under French law drivers can be held in prison for up to two years before being tried. The United Road Transport Union is now researching European law and the best way to lobby political support for a campaign to increase consignor liability. A URTU poll of British drivers on the Continent last month revealed that many fear wrongful imprisonment on drug smuggling charges.
Last year the TGWU urged the Department of Transport to force compulsory completion of a consignment note giving details of the load: the RHA supports this move (see feature, page 36).