John Martin

Check

Drivers must check a vehicle when its first loaded for any signs of unauthorised access. After each stop drivers must check the vehicle to ensure no authorised persons have entered the load. Check any seals, locks, tilt cords or other security devices for signs of damage or tampering before and during the journey. Check the sides and roof of the vehicle and check all external compartments. (This should include underneath the vehicle and arounds its chassis and axles as there have been reports of clandestines attaching themselves to axles or the undercarriage of vehicles)

Record

Drivers must enter on a checklist al checks throughout the journey. Record sheets must be fully and legibly completed with the date, time and location of each check with any seal numbers recorded on the sheets. Driver must have a sufficient supply of check list sheets available for their complete journey. If there are numerous stops required, use multiple checklists. Vehicle owners must provide drivers with means of record keeping such as checklists and written instructions before the start of each journey.

The UK Border Force run a Civil Penalty Accreditation Scheme which operators may apply to become a member– https://www. gov.uk/government/publications/applicationto-join-civil-penalty-accreditation-scheme and a completed application should be forwarded to BF.CPAS@homeoffice.gov.uk

The following is a link to the companies already in the scheme: https://www.gov. uk/government/publications/civil-penaltyaccreditation-scheme-accredited-haulagecompanies/list-of-accredited-companies

Measures to be taken by persons to operate an effective system for securing a goods vehicle and for preventing the carriage of clandestine entrants to the United Kingdom are set out in the Carriers’ Liability Regulations 2002 (The Carriers’ Liability Regulations 2002 (legislation.gov.uk) as amended.

Any vehicles that are identified as having routed from the EU /ROI to GB via NI MUST have a locking device fitted before it travels to GB and have a check list done.This applies to unaccompanied movements as well as accompanied.

Failure to do so will result in a penalty notice being issued under the new infringement rules. https://www.gov.uk/government/ publications/level-of-penalty-code-of-practice Whilst we have a number of concerns how the scheme is currently managed and we will continue to engage with Government on its application, we strongly encourage operators to take immediate steps to ensure they adhere to its current requirements. www.exportandfreight.com