Falmouth, Cornwall, UK: TrailerLock, which distributes the lock range by the same name, has a universal key for its fridge trailer door lock.
It enables any driver access to any trailer using their own key.
FridgeLock fits most types of surface-mounted door furniture. A easily adjusted barrel lock clamps over each of the vertical door rods.
In addition to protecting the vehicle load itself, FridgeLock protects drivers and continental operators by reducing the possibility of Border Force penalties. Currently, ‘civil penalties for clandestine entrants’ amount to £4,000 per illegal entrant – £2,000 to be paid by the driver and £2,000 to be paid by the haulier.
Simon Clarke of Smith Bowyer Clarke, specialist road transport lawyers, further said: “We have around 10 new instructions per week where hauliers are seeking to appeal against the imposition of penalties for clandestine entrants running into the tens of thousands of pounds.
“In some cases, having to pay these penalties would mean the company going out of business. We are well used to dealing with penalties in the range of £20,000 to £40,000; we have just closed one case where a haulier had imposed against him a £68,000 penalty, reduced by us on appeal to £20,000.”
According to continental operator Tarrant International, FridgeLock has proved to be effective and simple to use in their temperature-controlled vehicle fleet. “Quick, strong and uncomplicated: we also use other locks but this one does the job,” says Fergal Tarrant, director.
Clarke warns that “Drivers may be vigilant in checking their vehicles; however, thousands of illegal immigrants hide inside trucks heading for the UK each year. Despite Border Force accepting that a driver and haulier have no idea that the illegal immigrants were inside the truck, penalties will be imposed. One of the best ways to prevent this is by securing the doors of a trailer with a robust lock that cannot be disarmed.”
