The RHA has officially raised concerns to the ICIBI about stowaway fines, reflecting broader industry discontent.
- Hauliers are urged by the ICIBI to provide evidence about stowaway incidents and penalties for a comprehensive investigation.
- Penalties for clandestine entrants in HGVs have significantly increased from £2,000 to £10,000, raising alarm.
- Despite preventive efforts, drivers and businesses face fines, prompting calls for reassessment of enforcement practices.
- A notable £66,000 fine case illustrates the severity of current penalty measures on the industry.
The Road Haulage Association (RHA) has formally expressed its apprehensions to the Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration (ICIBI), reflecting a growing concern among industry players regarding the imposition of fines related to stowaways.
The ICIBI has solicited insights from hauliers who have encountered or dealt directly with illegal immigrants stowing away in their vehicles. This initiative aims to gather evidence needed for an in-depth investigation into the practices and penalties being enforced by Border Force.
Penalties for each clandestine entrant discovered in a heavy goods vehicle (HGV) have seen a stark increase, now reaching up to £10,000. This escalation from the previous rate of £2,000 demonstrates the government’s intensified efforts to deter illegal entry through freight transport.
The RHA’s Managing Director, Richard Smith, acknowledged the necessity of discouraging clandestine entrants and holding accountable those not securing their vehicles effectively. However, he criticised the punitive measures impacting those who have ostensibly done all they can to prevent such breaches, citing numerous industry examples of disproportionate fines.
A case that highlights the contentious nature of these fines involved EM Rogers in Northampton, which faced a cumulative penalty of £66,000 when six migrants were found in one of its trucks. The haulage company paid £30,000 while the driver bore the brunt with a £36,000 fine, reflecting the severe financial implications for both companies and individual drivers.
In another instance, a lorry driver who reported finding stowaways in his truck at Calais contested a £12,000 Border Force fine, illustrating the complex interplay between duty and penalty.
An incident where a Northampton haulage firm successfully overturned a £30,000 fine adds a dimension of uncertainty to the ongoing debate over these stringent measures.
In the backdrop of these discussions is the broader call from the logistics and haulage sectors for clarity and fairness, as evidenced by their response to the government’s delayed implementation of post-Brexit border controls.
The RHA and industry stakeholders continue to push for clarity and fair enforcement of stowaway penalties.
