Motorhome Owner Fined over Illegal Migrant
Saw this story on the BBC which might act as a warning for any one returning to the UK after a holiday in Europe. Apparently the migrant hid himself under the bike cover on the rear of the motorhome.
David
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So you think you are doing the right thing by notifying the police, and then get fined £1500. My reasoning is telling me that you walk away from the MH for an hour while you have a cup of tea, rather than be a good citizen. Yes, it’s wise to check your outfit before you cross over, but to get fined for doing the right thing is very harsh.
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It does not help if people who are innocent are prosecuted in this way and some common sense needs to be applied. Having said that the cover seems to have been pulled well out of shape and a quick look might have showed up the problem before leaving France. Knowing this legislation, I have always checked the caravan when leaving France.
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As others I agree, especially when, as I read the article and laws, you are expected to check the inside of your outfit but this chap was on the outside on the bike rack and I for one wouldn't have expected anyone to hide under the cover and hang on. Of course now I would check having seen this, I do hope that common sense prevails.
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I think some are saying that it is the misuse of the rules as I think they were designed to get lorry drivers to check their vehicles not leisure vehicles. It will be interesting to see what happens with their appeal.
Mind you, says something for the strength of the bike rack that it manage to handle two fairly hefty bikes (shown on the local news) and a migrant!
David
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I saw on the news that the couple are appealing. I hope that common sense prevails here, otherwise should something similar occur, check vehicle, travel home, find a migrant will become, hello, have a drink and a bite to eat, bye bye, good luck, rather than informing the police.🤷♀️
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Legitimate migrants are welcomed, thankfully. Not the illegal immigrants though although they do indeed arrive at an unwelcome cost which many of us resent. The fine in question is designed to encourage us all, not just the border force, to take some responsibility to check our vehicles.
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This very question was raised in PMQs this afternoon. I think it is clear that all sides of the House agreed that this case needed to be addressed and rectified to ensure that those in the future found in similar circumstances would not be tempted to turn a blind eye in order to escape a possible fine. Common sense will prevail I’m sure.
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Probably the publicity has served its purpose and hopefully people will be more aware in future?
David
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This is good news for the couple, and hopefully The Home Office will publish better guidelines to the police and Border Officials what they should do if this happens to other M/H owners.
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