The UK Border Force has released a checklist specific to coaches to help drivers secure their vehicles against people entering the UK illegally.
With owners or drivers facing a fine of up to £10,000 per clandestine entrant if one or more stowaway is caught on their vehicle, drivers are urged to follow the 25-point checklist.
It includes checking external storage compartments are locked when not in use or left unattended, and checking all locks, seals and other security devices for signs of tampering, damage and unauthorised repair or replacement. Among other processes, drivers should inspect under seating and check the passenger names against the manifest.
The checklist should form part of more extensive procedures to secure against clandestine entry. According to the UK Border Force website, accurate records should be kept of measures taken.
Phil Smith, Confederation of Passenger Transport Coaching Manager says: “The new guidance from UK Border Force is welcome news for coach operators and is a direct result of CPT’s work with them on behalf of our members.
“The new checklist will give coach operators and their drivers renewed confidence to travel safely and securely, during the thousands of international trips they carry out every year.”
Andrew Warrender, RHA Operations Manager (Coach), adds: “RHA has been working with UK Border Force on the issue of clandestine entrants for some time. We already issue a checklist to members together with guidance to aid both drivers and operators, but an official Border Force checklist is a something we’ve been calling for. This is to be welcomed and introduces consistency for drivers when recording checks.”
RHA publishes guidance for operators and drivers in its Coach Operations Manual. The body adds that business have been able to avoid penalties by signing up to the Civil Entrant Civil Penalty Scheme, which involves committing to an effective security system.
