Civil Penalties for Immigrants reduced by £90,000

In this appeal civil penalties for clandestine entrants had been imposed against this Hungarian haulier and their driver, in the sum of £108,000. Simon  Clarke acted for the Appellants; he told Border Force in correspondence that they had paid no proper regard to the Level of Penalty Code of Practice. In reply Border Force had refused to reduce the penalties, saying that it was too late to argue the point. At the hearing of these appeals the Judge agreed with Simon, saying that the reduction available for smaller companies and drivers were available right to the end of the appeal process regardless of any arbitrary time limit imposed by Border Force. The Judge ordered the penalties to be reduced by some £90,000 and directed that Border Force pay our client’s entire legal costs. A good victory for common sense!

Smith Bowyer Clarke has a highly dedicated team of lawyers and paralegals who are experts in dealing with Border Force imposed civil penalties, vehicle Detention and Restoration proceedings and all road transport specialist work – call us for free advice if you have a problem.