Hoverspeed backs abolition of cross-border shopping limits
Hoverspeed has welcomed moves to abolish guidelines on the levels of alcohol and tobacco people can bring back to the UK for personal use.
The cross channel fast ferry firm has been campaigning on the issue which was supported by a vote by MEPs to scrap guidelines relating to cross-border shopping.
A Hoverspeed spokesman said: “This is excellent news. We hope that common sense will prevail and that these guidelines will be abolished so that travellers coming back into the UK are not subjected to harassment and heavy handed treatment by HM Customs.”
The company won a High Court case in 2002 in relation to the actions of HM Customs officers when passengers entered the UK with goods purchased on the Continent. Hoverspeed had argued that customs officers were treating travellers unfairly in stopping passengers, confiscating goods and in some instances seizing vehicles.
Since that victory, Hoverspeed has been committed to ensuring that Customs abide by the Court rulings towards passengers, said a statement. Notices are issued to passengers advising them of their rights and providing guidance on bringing goods back into the UK and how to respond if stopped by Customs officers at Dover.
Hoverspeed is also pursuing a High Court claim for compensation from HM Customs for business losses incurred as a result of the “heavy-handed” tactics, the company said.
Report by Phil Davies
Phil Davies
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