TrailerLock holds key to fridge trailer security
Security systems provider TrailerLock has introduced a new universal key for its fridge trailer and sea container door lock, in a bid to help fleets combat the risks of trailer thefts and stowaways.
TrailerLock cites a February report from the Department for Transport, which highlighted a significant increase in unaccompanied trailer traffic last year to over 1 million trips – 42 per cent to the Netherlands and 28 per cent to Ireland. As such, says the firm, the risk of theft and attempts to stow away in unsecure trailers is increased.
The universal key means that any driver can access any trailer using a common key. All operators need to do is secrete the key under the trailer, and advise their forwarding counterpart as such, or mail a key in advance – or to be doubly sure, do both.
“Manufactured from solid steel, simple to operate and resistant to bolt-croppers and crowbars, FridgeLock is extendable and fits most types of surface-mounted door furniture – particularly for temperature-controlled trailers and containers,” said the company.
“A barrel lock, protected by a coated steel cap, needs just a half turn to open the two sections of the device, which is then adjusted for length and clamped 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, which can run into many tens of thousands of pounds.”
The lock is also said to be ideal for domestic traffic, especially when vehicles are parked up overnight.
The company points to current civil penalties for ‘clandestine entrants’, which can amount to £4,000 per illegal entrant – £2,000 to be paid by the driver and £2,000 to be paid by the haulier. If these penalties are not paid, the vehicle can be seized and held until payment is made. If the penalty is not paid at all, the vehicle can be destroyed.
Simon Clarke of Smith Bowyer Clarke, specialist road transport lawyers, further explained: “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,” said director Fergal Tarrant. “We also use other locks but this one does the job.”
Regarding the potential perils of trailer break-ins, Simon Clarke added: “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.”
