Undocumented migration remains a serious issue in the UK, with nearly 37,000 detected attempts in 2024 whilst the numbers claiming asylum are at their highest since records began in 1979.
Whilst much of the media focus surrounds attempts to enter the UK via small boats, Border Force data shows stowaway incidents in vehicles are at their highest since 2019. A recent report found that the threat of vehicle stowaways remains “high and unrelenting,” and Border Force lacks the resources to effectively manage it. In response, the RHA is urging the Home Office to invest in stronger deterrents to help hauliers navigate the difficult conditions.
Penalties for hauliers and drivers found to be non-compliant with entry requirements were increased in 2023 and currently stand at £10,000 per illegal entrant carried or £6,000 for failure to adequately secure a goods vehicle against unauthorised access, even when no clandestine is found. However, the recent report into Border Force operations to deter clandestine entrants found massive disparity over how fines are determined, leaving many hauliers feeling they are being unfairly punished.
Five Essential Tips for Protecting Vehicles & Preventing Clandestine Entry
When crossing borders, having appropriate systems and procedures in place is not just best practice—it’s essential. Clandestine entry attempts remain a major risk for hauliers and maintaining strict load integrity and vehicle security has never been more important.
Below are five practical, effective steps to help ensure your drivers stay safe and compliant—and your vehicles, secure.
Tip 1: Company Policy & Ongoing Training
Establishing a formal company policy to prevent clandestine entry is critical. Your policy should clearly define employee responsibilities and outline the actions to take if a driver suspects someone may be concealed within their vehicle.
Ensure procedures are in place to provide training for all stakeholders, ensuring everyone understands the risks, their responsibilities and how to keep detailed records of security checks they must maintain.
Regular policy reviews and refresher training should be built into your operation. This isn’t a box-ticking exercise—it’s about keeping your operations efficient and your people safe.
Tip 2: Secure, Check, Record
Guidance offered by UK Border Force, encourages and assists drivers to adopt effective working practices to prevent clandestine entry. A summary of the guidance is below:
Drivers must:
- Secure the vehicle when it is first loaded.
- Check for signs of unauthorised access at loading.
- Maintain a checklist of all security checks throughout the journey
Useful Resources
- Read the full guidance at Gov.uk
- Border Force video on how to carry out the checks and remain compliant https://youtu.be/twL6TkBRhZw
- There is no bias as regards the type of vehicles targeted by clandestines – See our diagram below, highlighting the relevant areas to check.
Tip 3: Join the Civil Penalty Accreditation Scheme
Where possible become members of the UK Border Force Civil Penalty Accreditation Scheme. Membership is free and can reduce any penalties by up to 50%—provided you are able to demonstrate consistent compliance and high vehicle security standards.
Stay informed: The scheme is likely to change as priorities shift and the issues surrounding clandestine entrants change. It’s important to stay up to date with the latest legislation and update company policies and procedures as necessary.
Monitoring driver checks is also vital to ensure that these are being carried out correctly – ensuring load integrity and security of vehicles is being maintained at all times.
Tip 4: Strengthen Vehicle Security
Prevention is always better than reaction. Installing appropriate and effective security solutions not only protects your load and your business — it protects your drivers too. Maple offers Europe’s largest range of truck and trailer security solutions to suit all operational needs and budgets.
Our solutions include:
- Turtle Lock – A heavy-duty, entry-level lock that secures swing and barn doors directly to the trailer frame.
- Integritas – An integrated electronic seal and heavy-duty trailer locking system, with high security slamlock action, suitable for both Shutter Door and Barndoors, ambient and re-frigerated body vehicles
- FreightLock – Maples’ user friendly, high security, locking application, operated pneumatically for the ultimate in reliability. FreightLock is mounted internally for enhanced security and protection and can be tailored to meet the specification of any vehicle or door configuration. (Compatible with Barndoor or Shutter Door Applications)
Tip 5: Secure Parking & Route Planning
Vehicles are most vulnerable when parked in unlit, unsecured roadside parking areas. Route planning is vital, so suitable, secure truck stops can be incorporated into every driver’s schedule.
Consideration should also be given to the introduction of no stop zones, within a specified distance of high-risk areas (even for fuel). Contingency plans should also always be put in place, in case operations change and routes or ports become inaccessible or difficult to negotiate.
Encourage drivers to consider parking on the opposite side of the carriageway, which may give the impression that vehicles are heading away from a port.
To discuss your requirements further, contact Maple direct.
Stay Safe & Secure
By implementing these five simple, proactive steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of clandestine entry—protecting both your drivers and your business. Security is not just a legal obligation—it’s a critical part of responsible and professional fleet management.
Additional Resources
Border Force – Clandestine Entrant Guidance
Government Guidance – Clandestine entrant civil penalty scheme
Government Guidance – Civil Penalty Accreditation Scheme
Border Force – Vehicle Checklist
Immigration & Asylum Act 1999
