Home Office consultation on stowaway fines – driver safety is the key issue says RHA
The Home Office Clandestine Civil Penalty consultation asks for views from the haulage industry and others on the approach to stopping illegal entry to the UK by migrants - how penalties for hauliers who are negligent could be modernised and any other improvements - as well as other steps the industry can take to cut the risk of illegal migrant abuse.
Commenting, RHA chief executive Richard Burnett said: “UK-bound drivers are currently experiencing unprecedented levels of migrant activity, all intent on gaining entry into the UK. Under normal operating circumstances, the civil penalty system may be fit for purpose. However, under the current conditions, the regime is outdated and the risk to drivers is extreme. Our members who are regularly engaged in international haulage already take every possible precaution to ensure that their vehicles are secure. The revised code must take into account that despite taking all possible precautionary measures, the increase in migrant numbers and the need for drivers to protect themselves, can result in migrants still gaining entry to vehicles.
“We remain of the firm opinion that the safety of the driver is of paramount importance. While we welcome the consultation to review the fines process, driver safety must remain the key issue.”
