Stowaway fines start next week
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H The government begins its crack-down on international operators harbouring illegal immigrants next week, with ,22,000 fines for each stowaway found in trucks entering the UK.
Operators who want to avoid the civil penalty from 3 April will have to show they have a comprehensive plan in place to keep out stowaways—and that it was being followed before any stowaways were found.
The Home Office says this will involve drivers checking their trailers during and after loading and after any stop. Before embarkation to the UK they will also have to check their trailer roofs. Drivers and companies unable to show this has been done will be unlikely to beat any fines at the new Home Office appeals unit in London.
The Freight Transport and Road Haulage Associations advise operators to stick to the advice in the code of practice issued by the Home Office.