He says he made a number of checks to ensure that nobody had smuggled or concealed themselves aboard his vehicle on January 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.
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. 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.
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