BIFA has been working in conjunction with the RHA for some time regarding to the issue of clandestines stowing away on vehicles. This issue and its consequences negatively impacts both associations membership, which do overlap.

This is a common interest for both associations, as both hauliers and freight forwarders have to suffer the consequences of additional costs, damage to vehicles and delay.

The first outcome of this shared approach was the issuing of the joint guidance document dealing with the subject, which can be downloaded here.

Work between the two Associations has been ongoing on this subject and we’re inviting people in our industry to add their names to an open letter to be sent to the Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper.

The letter can be viewed here. This asks her to speed up improvements on how the Clandestine Entrant Civil Penalty Scheme works.

Many members will know the Scheme, which operators engaged in international road freight sign up to, to protect themselves from huge penalties when stowaways are discovered on board their vehicles when they’re returning to the UK.

We have heard many instances of drivers and operators receiving significant fines even when they’ve done everything reasonable to keep their vehicles secure.

A recent inspection by The Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration (ICBI) has revealed a number of flaws in how the scheme is managed, and that Border Force security at juxtaposed ports (UK border points across the Channel) is inadequate.

The ICBI made a number of recommendations, which we’re pleased the Home Office has committed to implementing, but there is significant concern that the 12-18-month timeframe they’re working to is too long.

Both trade associations are confident that Border Force can do this work to improve the Scheme and bolster security in a significantly shorter timeframe.  Therefore, both associations are calling on the Home Secretary to commit to completing all the necessary changes recommended by the ICBI by the end of 2025.

An open letter (which can be viewed by clicking on the hyperlink) to this effect has been drafted, and we’re asking our members to add their names to it. 

We want to show how much support there is in our industry for these improvements to be made as quickly as possible. For your name to be added to the letter, please fill in the attached form: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/2RH0XE/

Thanking you for your attention and we encourage as many Members as possible to support this initiative.

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