LONG-DISTANCE hauliers fear they are being put in danger of bankruptcy by strict measures introduced to stem the influx of illegal immigrants.

Cross-Channel lorry drivers and operators face huge fines and the impounding of their vehicle if immigrants are found hidden in their trailers.

But the hauliers claim there is little they can do in the face of the growing tide of refugees attempting to enter the country, and are demanding better treatment from the Government.

Since new regulations were introduced earlier this year, drivers or operators face fines of £2,000 for every immigrant found hidden among their cargo.

If they refuse to pay, they risk the impounding of their lorries and loads.

International 2000, in Boroughbridge, North Yorkshire, is appealing against an £8,000 fine imposed after one of its drivers unwittingly brought four immigrants across the Channel.

Now the company has added its voice to growing calls for fairer treatment, saying it is "caught between a rock and a hard place".

Co-owner Liz Sadler said last night: "The system is desperately unfair. Our driver was on his first week with us and was on his first journey back across the Channel.

"Something has to be done. These illegals are all over the European terminals. They scatter like rats to hide themselves on trailers, even though the drivers do everything they can to prevent it."

The Freight Transport Association and Road Haulage Association are unhappy at the way regulations are enforced.

A Road Haulage Association spokesman said: "These immigrants can be violent, and are invariably smuggling themselves aboard without the drivers knowing.

"It is an absolutely desperate situation. Although there is a right of appeal, it is very difficult to do so."

Home Office Minister Barbara Roche was unrepentant about the measures.

"We consulted widely with hauliers before they were introduced," she said.

At least two other truck drivers from the North-East have fallen victim to the penalties.

Tony Davison, from Tow Law, County Durham, faces a £14,000 fine after telling Customs and Excise officials he believed illegal immigrants were in the back of his truck. Seven stowaways were found.

John Wilkinson, from Hamsterley, County Durham, faces a £10,000 fine after armed stowaways were found among his load of Spanish wine when he arrived in Dover