Telford lorry driver faces £10,000 fine over migrants hiding in his truck in Calais

Telford MP Lucy Allan today announced that she would support Jim Rushton and will write to the Home Secretary in a bid to help him.

Mr Rushton, of Gorge Park, Tweedale, who works for BJ Waters Transport, says he was transporting plastic granules through the port when UK Border Agency officials and sniffer dogs searched his trailer.

He says he made a number of checks to ensure that nobody had smuggled or concealed themselves aboard his vehicle on January 12. He even passed through a heartbeat monitor that failed to detect any other people on board.

But five illegal immigrants were discovered inside and Mr Rushton was detained for several hours before he was given a letter and allowed home.

He says the situation in Calais and the surrounding area was only getting worse, with lorry drivers facing abuse, intimidation and in some cases physical violence as they aim to keep goods flowing in and out of the UK.

Mr Rushton, who has been driving for 42 years, said: "The situation at Calais is becoming a complete mess and I have colleagues in the industry who have either faced violence or fear it, and will now no longer travel to the continent. It is impossible for us to simultaneously check every possible hiding place."

He added that the fine could be up to as much as £10,000 – at £2,000 for each illegal immigrant found.

He has since appealed the fine and sought the backing of his MP Ms Allan.

She said: "The situation facing Mr Rushton and other drivers shows how the UK's immigration policies are failing. Those visiting the continent should not have to run a gauntlet of intimidation and violence on their return journey.

"The UK Government needs to be protecting our lorry drivers, not prosecuting them.

"Having met with Mr Rushton it soon became obvious that lorry drivers can only do so much to prevent determined individuals from hiding away in their vehicles.

"When Mr Rushton has done a full check, including passing through a heartbeat monitor, it is clear that he has done what all of us would consider is reasonable."

Mr Rushton said the fine would be enforced on him and the company he works for. Nobody from the Home Office was available for comment.