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Immigrant fines scrapped on rail
Page 6
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• The government has scrapped the fines on railfreight firm English Welsh and Scottish Railways (EWS) and Eurotunnel for carrying illegal immigrants, and has agreed to drop all charges to date.
While welcoming the move, the Road Haulage Association has expressed its anger over the double standards shown to the haulage industry. Chief executive Roger King says: "Road haulers now look for similar treatment given the high number of checks vehicle drivers must undertake before travelling into the UK.
"We have no truck with those engaged in clandestine activity for profit, but they are just a tiny minority. It would be unac ceptable if the current appeal by government to an earlier judicial ruling, which called into question its right to fine hauliers £2,000 per stowaway without the proper recourse to the legal system, is upheld and this reverts back to the original penal concept. We look for the same fair and equal treatment as that offered to Eurotunnel."
A spokesman for EWS welcomed the move and said that it would now allow it to recommence cross-Channel rail freight operations. However he adds: "Rail freight is crumbling at the moment because of the restrictions on service, and 8,000 jobs are at risk."
In December 2001 the High Court said that the fines of £2,000 per illegal immigrant found on UK-bound lorries were unfair and illegal. Those fines have been suspended pending an appeal from the Home Office, with a decision expected in two or three weeks' time.
• Earlier this week Eurotunnel faied in its second attempt to close down the Red Cross refugee centre at Sangatte.