Logistics UK has identified five levels of risk to drivers’ safety and disruption to journeys when driving to Calais and other Channel ports in the Nord Pas de Calais and other regions of Northern France.
Drivers should be advised to take different actions, depending upon the nature of the situation and degree of threat posed. On no account should drivers be expected or required to put themselves at risk.
RISK
Level 1
Threats to drivers’ safety and welfare
Consequences
Physical intimidation or actual bodily harm to driver. Verbal threats and abuse. Debris and other obstacles placed in front of vehicles forcing them to slow down or stop.
Actions
Contact French police and advise location and circumstances
Contact
Emergencies (all services) from a mobile phone or fixed line 112
(Calls to 112 are received by either SAMU or the fire service and then rerouted to the appropriate service or handled on the spot)
SAMU
Mobile Emergency Medical and Social Service) 15
Emergency Police 117
Police Nationale and Gendarmerie 17
Fire service 18
Firefighters are also qualified to provide first rescue and ambulance services Refer to guidance in drivers’ company manual.
RISK
Level 2
Stowaways boarding vehicles or suspected of boarding vehicles.
Consequences
Potential fines for driver and/or vehicle operator if a company security scheme is not evident and the driver has not taken any preventative measures.
Actions
Present vehicle for checking and scanning at UK border Do not confront stowaways Await action by French authorities.
Contact
Advise your transport manager or shift supervisor of any suspected breach of vehicle security
RISK
Level 3
Breach of load security
Consequences
Spoiling or damage to load triggering entire consignment being rejected by receiver on safety or hygiene grounds.
Actions
Use the Home Office approved check list to minimise the risk of breaches of load security Report any suspected breach of the cargo area to the consignee upon reaching destination.
Contact
Report details of any damage to the vehicle or its cargo to your manager or supervisor as soon as it is safe to do so; or in accordance with your company policy.
RISK
Level 4
Delays to journeys and missed delivery times.
Consequences
Missed ferry or shuttle bookings. Late delivery to destination, missed connections. Drivers’ hours and company delivery schedule implications.
Actions
EU drivers’ hours rules still apply unless DfT issues a relaxation, for example allowing drivers to extend their hours to find a suitable, safe and legal parking area for a rest period Any deviation from the rules must be notated on a tacho chart or print roll.
Contact
If in any doubt, drivers should seek further details on rest periods, breaks and Periods of Availability from their transport manager.
RISK
Level 5
Observed or suspected suspicious activity. Possible evidence of people trafficking and organised criminal activity.
Consequences
Groups of people mingling around or emerging from vehicles close to or away from the port, in roadside rest areas etc.
Actions
Contact French police and advise location and circumstances. Avoid confrontation with migrants if at all possible.
Contact
French police 112 or 17
Report details to local officials as soon as it is safe to do so (see above) also UK Border Force officials at port control.
Application forms and more details about the civil penalty legislation may be obtained here
