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PIA checks not foolproof

25th January 2001
Page 7
Page 7, 25th January 2001 — PIA checks not foolproof
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

II Hauliers using P&O StenaLine ferries are still not safe from 22,000-a-head stowaway fines, despite the introduction of mandatory, pre-boarding vehicle checks.

Two drivers on P&O's CalaisDover route were hit with hefty civil penalties last month, soon after the scheme started,

Transport lawyer Ian Rothera confirms that the first driver's vehicle had been through two CO2 checks, first by the Calais Chamber of Commerce and then by P&O's security firm, Secur-Nord. But on arrival at Dover nine asylum seekers were found, resulting in a penalty of 218,000.

The second driver had been through the P&O CO2 check and the inside of his trailer had been searched by a Secur-Nord security officer. But by the time the driver disembarked there

were five stowaways on board, leading to a .210,000 fine.

It is unclear how the stowaways boarded the ship—a P&O spokeswoman claims that cars and vans are also checked. "We match up the number of passports against the number of passengers and open the boots of cars."

These cases also raise questions about the accuracy of CO2 checks—and whether they are being carried out correctly (CM 18-24 Jan).

P&O's spokeswoman says the company cannot comment on individual cases, but says: "We tell drivers to remain vigilant at all times, even after they have had the checks. Our figures speak for themselves—we have stopped 915 stowaways since the checks started."

P&O has not been issued with a Single penalty in this time.

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