Select Committee on Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs Appendices to the Minutes of Evidence


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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