The RHA managing director Richard Smith has urged government to reform a penalty scheme which is seeing some transport operators and drivers unfairly penalised when ‘clandestine entrants’ are found on vehicles.
He said: “We acknowledge that illegal entry into the UK continues to be a big issue for government – boats crossing the Channel makes the headlines but the scale and impact of people breaking into vehicles shouldn’t be underestimated.
“We recognise the role our industry plays in keeping the border secure, and support all reasonable measures to deter clandestine entrants as well as penalise those drivers and operators who aren’t taking the necessary steps to secure their vehicles.
“However, as tactics and techniques for hiding on vehicles evolve, it is vital the scheme also evolves so operators and drivers are not unfairly punished.
“We wrote to the Independent Chief Inspector for Borders and Immigration in September as part of a review into the scheme, but we still haven’t heard any public response to that investigation.”
The recommendation are the following:
- A review of the Clandestine Entrant Civil Penalty Scheme and entry checklists in line with the evolving illegal immigration situation to ensure they are fit for purpose.
- Improved training for Border Force officials on vehicle security to increase their understanding of the latest methods and techniques used by clandestine entrants.
- A clear declaration that drivers are not expected to personally deal with potential clandestine entrants on safety grounds, with additional guidance and publicity on the steps a driver should take in these circumstances.
- Clearer avenues for drivers to seek assistance from French authorities and UK Border officials to ensure no driver genuinely seeking assistance to deal with a clandestine entrant is punished.
