TOO LITTLE, TOO LATE
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I agree more vehicle checking equipment must be provided, but it is needed at Calais and not just Dover. Divers want to have peace of mind when they are on the ferries, knowing that their trailers and their livelihoods are not at risk. If the immigrants get on the trailers on the ferries, it is a little late to use checking equipment at Dover, at least from the driver's point of view as he will still be subject to civil penalties.
Jack Straw created legislation saying that asylum seekers couldn't apply for asylum in an open and lawful manner. He stated in the Commons that only Dover would be targeted, although he admitted drivers couldn't check their trailers while at sea. Jack Straw has the financial means to cover all expenses necessary to give hauliers and drivers safe passage back to Dover, particularly as the government receives billions in revenue from transport.
Finally, will Jack Straw be man enough to admit he has made a mistake by bringing in the civil penalty act, let alone considering increasing the fine? If Jack Straw reads the papers he should know many immigrants are not being detected because drivers who find them on board after getting through Dover are not reporting them to the police. J Wilkinson, Co Durham.