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No rest for the vigilant

11th May 2000, Page 7
11th May 2000
Page 7
Page 7, 11th May 2000 — No rest for the vigilant
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as immigrants slip past

• by Sally Nash International drivers are failing to take proper rest breaks because they are keeping a constant look-out for illegal immigrants, according to one Staffordshire haulier.

The company's operations manager made the claim after four stowaways were discovered hiding in one of its vehicles on 6 May "Apart from a ten-minute stop for fuel the driver said he did not take his 45-minute break which he should do after every four-and-a-half hours' driving," he says. "He was so upset because he had checked the vehicle every step of the way.'

Transport solicitor Ian Rothera from Nottinghambased Hothera Dowson says there could well be safety impfications following the government's decision to fine hauliers and drivers £2,000 for every stowaway "If a driver is trying to keep constant watch on his vehicle and is so anxious that he cannot sleep he will be tired as a consequence," says Rothera.

Rothera Dowson, which is representing both Road Haulage and Freight Transport Association members, has so far lodged three notices of appeal on behalf of three companies which have been handed civil penalty notices.

Durham-based Peter Cook Transport is appealing against a £10,000 fine after being caught with five illegal immigrants. There is also a Dutch firm which faces a fine of more than £100,000 and an Italian haulier which has received a penalty notice for £4,000.


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