• Illegal immigration is identified as a significant problem throughout Europe.
• Drivers must be instructed to take all reasonable precautions to prevent the unwitting carriage of illegal immigrants.
• Drivers should make regular security checks on their vehicles.
• The source highlights severe consequences for UK operators returning from international journeys.
• The Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 and Carriers' Liability (Clandestine Entrants and Sale of Transporters) Regulations 2000 make both operators and drivers liable when illegal immigrants are found on their vehicles.
• The source states a penalty of £2,000 can be imposed on both the operator and driver for each illegal immigrant brought into the UK.
• If penalties are not paid within 60 days, the courts may seize and sell vehicles to satisfy outstanding amounts.
• Three good defences identified by the source:
• The driver was unaware and had no reason to believe anyone was concealed on the vehicle.
• An effective system existed to prevent illegal immigrants gaining access to the vehicle.
• The system was being operated correctly.

Driver Security Checklist

• The UK Border Force checklist is intended to help prove that a prevention system exists and is operational.
• Secure the vehicle after loading using appropriate security devices, such as padlocks, seals or cord for TIR tilt vehicles.
• Check the vehicle after every stop.
• Check security devices and curtain sides.
• Check the underside of the vehicle.
• Check the space behind the cab wind deflector.
• Check inside the cab.
• Use available scanning/detection equipment at ports.
• Record every check on a vehicle security checklist.
• The checklist should include vehicle and driver details, date, areas checked and times of checks.
• The source also describes a multi-language annex in which the loading organisation confirms that appropriate measures have been taken.

Home Office Accreditation Scheme

• The Home Office Accreditation Scheme is aimed at operators who have introduced systems to prevent illegal immigrants gaining access to vehicles.
• The source describes accreditation as voluntary.
• The material suggests accreditation may assist an operator in demonstrating that robust prevention systems were in place if stowaways are found.

Enforcement and Detection

• The Home Office considers the strength and operation of the checking system when determining penalties.
• Good systems include checks after each delivery or collection, after breaks/rest stops and regularly during the journey.
• Poor or slackly applied systems may attract the maximum penalty stated in the source.
• Detection technology described includes:
• Portable CO₂ detectors.
• X-ray scanners.
• Thermal imaging.
• Heartbeat detectors.
• Sniffer dogs.