The RHA is urging the government to reform the Entrant Civil Penalty Scheme, which it says is unfairly penalising compliant drivers and operators when illegal immigrants are found hidden in their vehicles.
The association said that it has received “numerous” reports from members that they have been hit with significant fines, despite making all reasonable efforts to secure their vehicles.
Richard Smith, RHA MD, said the current scheme does not take into consideration the challenges drivers face in ensuring their vehicles are not breached.
He said: “We acknowledge that illegal entry into the UK continues to be a big issue for Government – boat crossings across 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.
Smith said RHA has written to the Independent Chief Inspector for Borders and Immigration in September as part of a review into the scheme, “but still haven’t heard any public response to that investigation.”
RHA is calling for the government to:
- Review the Clandestine Entrant Civil Penalty Scheme and entry checklists to ensure they are fit for purpose and take into account the advanced methods used by organised criminals to conceal migrants entering vehicles.
- Improve training for Border Force officials on vehicle security to increase their understanding of the latest methods and techniques used by clandestine entrants.
- Make 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.
- Create 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.
Smith added: “On behalf of our members we’ll continue to work with both the Border Force and the Home Office on improving border security and we’re available to discuss this issue in greater detail as part of their inspection process.”
