The Chancellor’s Autumn Statement provided a mixed bag for SMEs. Whilst there were some significant announcements on business rates and taxes that will be broadly welcomed, there were some missing pieces of the puzzle. One of the most acute...
Stephensons assists hauliers facing civil penalties following the discovery of clandestine entrants in their vehicles. These penalties can be severed and imposed against drivers and owners of vehicles both jointly and separately. If you face action by the UK Border Agency following the discovery of clandestine entrants, contact our specialist lawyers without delay on 01616 966 229.
A clandestine entrant is a person who enters the UK concealed in a vehicle in order to evade border controls. Operators of commercial vehicles entering the UK are required to implement effective systems to prevent clandestine entrants stowing away in their vehicles.
If clandestine entrants are discovered in a commercial vehicle, the operator and driver each face a separate civil penalty of up to £2,000 per entrant. These cases normally involve multiple entrants within a vehicle and as such the penalties imposed can be significant. Where penalties are unpaid or unlikely to be paid, the UK Border Agency can impound vehicles.
