The RHA said it had lodged a submission to the independent chief inspector of borders and immigration (ICIBI) about its “very real concerns” regarding stowaway fines.

It follows a call by the ICIBI for hauliers that have knowledge or first-hand experience of having illegal immigrants entering the UK by stowing away in their vehicles to provide evidence for its investigation into Border Force practices and penalties.

The penalty accreditations scheme fines were increased last year from £2,000 to £10,000 for each clandestine entrant found in HGVs.

In addition, even if no clandestine entrant is found, hauliers crossing into the UK can be penalised if their lorry is not adequately secured.

RHA MD Richard Smith said: “We recognise the need to deter clandestine entrants as well as penalise those drivers and operators who aren’t taking steps to secure their vehicles.

“However, we’ve a number of genuine concerns about how the penalty regime is currently being enforced.

“Specifically, we believe it’s wrong that drivers and businesses who have done everything they reasonably can to prevent clandestine entry are being punished.

“We’ve heard numerous examples of this from our members and across the industry.”

EM Rogers in Northampton was hit with a £66,000 penalty in November last year after six migrants were found in one of its trucks.

The company was fined £30,000 and the driver of the vehicle was fined £36,000.

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