NederlandsSince the 13th of February drivers carrying illegal immigrant in their vehicles to UK risk penalties of GBP 10,000 per person. So far the penalty was GBP 2,000.-.
The number of illegal immigrants entering the UK is still increasing. The British Government blames transporters and drivers, as they don’t do enough to prevent this.
Customs hold transporters and owners of vehicles or trailers responsible when they find illegal immigrants. Firstly the responsible people will receive a penalty of GBP 6,000.,-. If it will happen again then the penalty will increase to GBP 10,000.-. The total penalty for all parties involved can grow to GBP. 20,000.- per incident. So far this was GBP 4,000.-.
The British Government launched a list of precautions for transporters to prevent illegal immigrants will enter their vehicles. Vehicles or trailers must be checked on persons and be closed and sealed properly. If drivers / transporters will stick to these precautions and Customs will still find persons, then the penalty might be reduced.
If a vehicle is not closed and sealed properly and illegal immigrants will be found then the transporter risks a fine of GBP 6,000.-. This law was launched in 1999, but penalties now increased for the first time since 2002.