Hauliers risk all on stowaway appeals
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N Hauliers trying to challenge fines for bringing illegal immigrants into the UK often face an agonising choice between principle and the viability of their business, according to transport lawyer Ian Rothera.
He warns that appealing against each .£2,000 penalty per illegal immigrant could end up costing transport firms twice as much if they lose the court case.
"The usual rule is that anybody who fails in litigation is not only responsible for their own legal costs but for the other side's costs as well," ho says. They are also likely to have to pay interest on the penalty. You have to think long and hard about whether it is economically viable to pursue it through the courts." are, Radian says it is difficult to know what the chances are of making a successful appeal.
His firm, Rothera Dowson, has advised about 75 clients about challenging the fines and the majority have ended up lodging appeals, "These early ones are putting themselves forward as guinea pigs," says Rothera. "To a certain extent they are doing it riot only for themselves but hopefully for the benefit of the haulage Industry generally," Contact: 01303 240055.
• A suspected stowaway has died at Dover docks, apparently after falling from underneath a truck. Kent police say they have questioned the driver thought to have run over the man and are appealing for witnesses. The incident took place at the Eastern Docks in the early morning of Friday 17 November.