Memorandum by F P Youngs Transport Ltd
(RH 50)
ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS
I write with reference to above matter, which causes
me great concern. I have had numerous discussions with fellow
hauliers and the Road Haulage Association to try and combat this
ever-increasing problem.
We have introduced a system, which should dramatically
decrease the chances of such people gaining access to the United
Kingdom on our vehicles. For the sake of record I would like to
take this opportunity of enlightening you of our procedures.
None of our loaded vehicles will travel without
a seal or padlock in place at all times. Once loading is completed,
the drivers have been supplied with a Vehicle Security sheet which
they partially complete. The remainder of the document should
be completed by the loading point, confirming that there was no
persons on board when the vehicle was loaded and that it was sealed
on completion of loading. The seal number is also recorded on
the document. I should add that despite the fact that all drivers
carry a translation of the document, not all loading points are
willing to complete their part of the document. In such cases
the driver has been instructed to complete the document himself
clearly showing that the loading point refused to do so.
Once en route home, the driver effects a check
of the tilt or curtain to ensure it has not been cut in order
to gain access to the vehicle. He also checks that the TIR sealing
cord is free of cuts and/or resealing. The driver records these
checks on his running sheet showing the time, date and place that
they were effected. The checks are effected not only when he stops
for a break but, crucially, when he sets off again on his journey
home. I would add that we are currently exploring the idea of
replacing TIR cords with chainlike to try and prevent cutting
and resealing.
We have been advised that gangs of immigrants
seeking entry to the United Kingdom are to be found around the
"AS24" fuel stop in Calais, consequently all drivers
have been instructed not to use this facility in any circumstances.
The alternative "AS24" fuel stop within the confines
of Eurotunnel is an acceptable alternative and is secure.
My worry is that the driver, having effected
all these checks, then places his vehicle under the control of
the ferry operators or Eurotunnel. We have been advised that persons
have been effecting entry into vehicles whilst they are on the
ferry home. I have previously written to the operators asking
what precautions are in place to prevent this. At time of writing
I have yet to receive a reply. Having outlined our own procedures
to you, may I make a couple of suggestions, which I hope you will
find of use to you. Would it be possible for the ferry operators
to make a rule that no vehicle may gain access to a ferry without
documentary proof that the TIR cord and trailer curtain or tilt
have been checked by a member of staff from that operator. This
could be at nil or at worst very minimal cost to the operator
by utilising the loaders or checkers at the port of exit who monitor
the trucks boarding the ferry. The checks could be made whilst
the vehicles are stationary in the queue. The checker could then
issue a piece of paper to the driver saying that the checks have
been done, he could even simply stamp the drivers boarding pass
or other travel documents.
It is also of paramount importance that there
is effective security in the lorry park within the terminal and
I would welcome your comments on this point. I am led to believe
that it is possible to see gangs of young men parading around
Calais docks seeking ways of securing a means of transport to
the United Kingdom.
I also understand that although there is close
circuit television cameras on board most ferries that these are
relatively ineffective because of the location and height at which
they are fixed. I think it is essential that an effective close
circuit system be in place.
Having listed ways of detecting the entry of
persons to vehicles, I would like to address the matter of what
the driver should do in the event of detection. Politicians have
a habit of making laws that are theoretically easy to enforce
and effective in irradicating or reducing the crime. Assuming
the driver has made his checks in Belgium or France and it is
clear that the stowaways have gain entry whilst he was asleep,
what is the correct procedure? I have had drivers on the telephone
to me saying they have found people on their trailer, the drivers
attempt rejection but, on refusal to leave or worse under threat
of violence, what is their next course of action? This is where
the politician's world and the real world take on completely different
guises. The real world is at best, on numerous occasions, the
French police tell the driver the matter is a concern of immigration
and the driver should proceed to the nearest Customs point. This
is usually the port of Calais French Customs officials then tell
the driver that they should resolve the matter in Dover! I say
at best, my genuine worry is that the alternative is that the
French police, despite the fact that the driver has reported the
matter to them, assume the driver is in collusion with the stowaways,
and promptly arrest him! I do not say this light heartedly, I
say it from an in depth knowledge and understanding of International
transport. The French system of justice is pay a "deposit"
in cash or International cheque equal to the maximum fine for
the offence before the truck or driver are allowed to proceed.
I now make another assumption that all was well
and the vehicle duly boards the ferry. The driver makes his final
check or TIR cord and Trailer curtain prior to disembarking, if
he finds evidence of tampering, what should he do? Should he remain
on the ferry until authorities attend or should he drive off the
ferry and straight to immigration? Whilst on the ferry, the driver
cannot be deemed to have "brought illegal immigrants into
the country. If he departs from the ferry in order to go to immigration,
then presumably he could be deemed to have done so? I would appreciate
clarification from anyone who has a complete understanding of
the new regulations.
Rob Hollyman
F P Youngs Transport Limited
April 2000
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