A logistics company has reported that it incurred a fine of £66,000 from the authorities following the discovery of six migrants within one of its vehicles.
Ed Rogers, representing EM Rogers based in Northampton, disclosed that the UK Border Force imposed this penalty subsequent to an event in November.
The company’s director previously highlighted the potential for the sector to experience a decline in drivers due to such fines.
The Home Office has expressed concern, stating that an excessive number of vehicles lack sufficient security measures.
Mr. Rogers argued that haulage companies are, in essence, the victims in these scenarios, pointing out that “vulnerable lorry drivers” find themselves prey to organised criminal activities.
He provocatively questioned the fairness of being penalised for a situation analogous to having one’s residence burglarised during the night.
Further, Mr. Rogers detailed that his enterprise faced a fine of £30,000 for the incident on 10 November, while the vehicle’s driver was subjected to a £36,000 fine.
Previously, the company and one of its drivers were fined £15,000 and £9,000 respectively, after three individuals were discovered during a ferry journey from Calais to Dover in the previous April.
He noted that EM Rogers, established in 1945, conducts hundreds of Channel crossings weekly and has implemented comprehensive systems for educating drivers on the associated risks.
The company engages in frequent retraining sessions every quarter and performs regular audits of its drivers throughout the year.
In response, a spokesperson from the Home Office remarked, “Over the past 12 months, we have augmented the haulier civil penalty scheme with substantially increased financial penalties to ensure drivers undertake all reasonable measures to prevent illegal migration and thwart human trafficking efforts.”
With the introduction of heightened penalties last year, any individual found transporting an illegal migrant, including tourists, is liable to a fine of up to £10,000 for each undocumented individual discovered.
