Successful £20,000 Civil Penalty Appeal for European Haulier – Full Costs Awarded

Millicent Dooher, barrister, represented this European haulier throughout their appeal to the County Court. The Company faced a penalty of £20,000.00 following the discovery of 2 clandestine entrants in one of their Company vehicles. The appeal was on the basis that they qualified for a means assessment and the Company had complied with all of the Regulations.

At the appeal, both grounds of appeal were successful, and the Company penalty was reduced to just £7,500.00. The Court also awarded Border Force to pay the Company’s full legal costs.

The means assessment criteria are set out in the Level of Penalty: Code of Practice document as published by Border Force. This sets out the criteria for a means assessment: you could be eligible for a reduction if your company turns over less than €50 million. Get in touch with one of our lawyers today to see if we can secure you a further reduction on your penalty.