P BORDER CONTROL
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Driver claims UKBA Locked him in a room
A DRIVER CLAIMS that he was locked up at Dover Eastern Docks while waiting for his truck to be scanned by the UK Border Agency (UKBA).
Bernard Copeland, who drives for Dutch operator Nedexco, was returning from Holland when he claims he was locked in a portable building while his truck was checked. -There was a sign on the door saying it was alarmed and a camera trained straight on me," says Copeland, who was held for 20 minutes.
The UKBA says the driver waiting area is not locked. "Drivers are asked to wait for their own safety in an unlocked adjacent room while their lorries are scanned," says the UKBA.
Transport lawyer Tim Ridyard says that, although not formally detained, Copeland may have grounds for complaint.
• Let us know if you've had a similar experience, email: patrk.cunnane@rbi.co.uk