Number of hauliers fined over migrants has more than tripled in the last three years

Calais
Politics
Wednesday 5 August 2015 at 12:01am

The number of fines handed out to hauliers found carrying illegal immigrants into the UK has more than tripled in the last three years, figures show.

Drivers can be issued on-the-spot fines of up to £2,000 for every person found hidden on their vehicle at any UK port and the Eurotunnel, under Home Office rules.

The number of these fines has risen from 998 in 2012/13 to 3,319 in 2014/15, a Freedom of Information request by the Press Association revealed.

The figures also show that at least 6,494 migrants have been found during this period - although the true figure is likely to be far higher.

The UK and French governments have faced pressure to end the migrant crisis, which has seen numbers swell in Calais over the summer.

ITV News reporter Duncan Golestani reports:

A Home Office spokesperson said the increase in fines was the result of the growing number of migrants at Calais since 2012 rather than a more strict approach.

Only 7% of those caught were British drivers but too many lorries had insufficient security, the spokesperson added.

Around 5,000 migrants are camped around Calais. Credit: Reuters

Industry body the Freight Transport Association (FTA) said the figures reflected the growing determination of immigrants to smuggle themselves on board vehicles heading to the UK.

Donald Armour, manager of the international department at the FTA, said the majority of drivers took steps to properly secure their vehicles.

But this was becoming increasingly difficult, he said, as immigrants become more determined to board lorries and queues continue to grow in Calais.

Two migrants clinging to the top of a lorry last week. Credit: PA Wire

Thousands of migrants have attempted to get to the Eurotunnel and nine have been killed since June.

Around 5,000 migrants - displaced from countries including Syria, Libya and Eritrea - are now believed to be camped in and around the port.

The Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond insisted on Monday that the UK government has "got a grip" on the situation.

But the Road Haulage Association (RHA) called on David Cameron - who is currently on holiday - to visit Calais and witness the "mayhem" for himself.