Stowaway fines summit set for October amid anger over penalties

A major summit to tackle the controversial stowaway fines system is set to take place in London on 1 October, organised by the Road Haulage Association (RHA). The event aims to bring together key voices from across the UK, EU and USA, including the Home Office, Department for Transport, IRU, Truckers Against Trafficking and the American Trucking Associations. The RHA has long campaigned for reform of the civil penalty scheme, which hits hauliers and drivers with fines if stowaways are found in their vehicles - even when all reasonable security measures have been taken.

Many in the industry say the current system is punishing the wrong people. The RHA said it has received "numerous" reports from members being fined, despite full compliance with load security rules. RHA managing director Richard Smith said: "We recognise the vital role the logistics sector plays in securing borders and we support proportionate enforcement to deter and prevent illegal entry.

"However, evolving methods of concealment mean drivers and operators can be unfairly penalised, even when taking all reasonable measures. There's broad concern within the industry that the current clandestine entrant civil penalty scheme isn't wholly effective with operators." Earlier this year, JMW Solicitors encouraged hauliers to fight back against fines, after repeatedly helping clients get them overturned.

More than 300 businesses recently signed a letter to the Home Secretary demanding urgent reform of the scheme. The industry has also called for better Border Force technology and investment at ports to help tackle the root of the problem. The RHA said further details about the October summit, including confirmed speakers, will be released soon.

For truck drivers on the front line, the hope is clear: the UK needs a fairer system that targets traffickers, not those trying to do their job.