RHA hosts International Summit on Human Trafficking and Border Security in Road Transport

We were joined by a wide range of stakeholders from across the UK, EU, and USA — including operators, the Office of the Traffic Commissioner, representatives from policing, the Department for Transport (DfT), and the UK Home Office, trade bodies, the IRU,Backhouse Jones Solicitors and Truckers Against Trafficking (TAT).

The conversations were open, honest, and at times challenging — exactly what this issue demands. We explored how different countries are responding to clandestine entry via commercial vehicles and human trafficking, and heard directly about the impact on people, businesses, and frontline agencies.

We shared best practice and touched upon possible solutions.

We also discussed our recently launched international report, Clandestine Entry in Road Transport and the UK Response, which brings together real-world insight and evidence to help shape future policy and collaboration.

As I said at the event, it’s important to air these conversations. We won’t fix this in one afternoon — but it’s vital we work out how to move it forward.

Thank you to those who joined us today and shared their experiences candidly. This is more than a talking shop. We will meet again, and the RHA will continue working and collaborating with partners to turn shared concerns into meaningful, practical solutions for our members and the wider industry. Together, we are stronger.