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[The long Build]

I frequently travel by ferry and it's clear that the security screening is targeted by the way that cars are selected for examination. Two guys in the frond are a good bet for being stopped. Man, wife and two kids in the back - hardly ever!

Seem to always get stopped at Dover ? me , wife and child , this year pulled us into the security area going to France , asked to see the boot and roof box , opened the boot , he had to help me catch things dropping out , said I could leave the roof box  

[andygh]

Seem to always get stopped at Dover ? me , wife and child

Me too 

[The long Build]

Can only assume it must be the wife..

[andygh]

Never thought of that, now I come to think of it 

[Colin Bishop]

Not got stopped at Dover but everyone seems to be stopped at Calais to check if you have an illegal immigrant hiding in the boot which is fair enough.

Colin

[The long Build]

Not got stopped at Dover but everyone seems to be stopped at Calais to check if you have an illegal immigrant hiding in the boot which is fair enough.

Colin

Yep
all the cars in the rows waiting to get on the ferrys all had their boots checked when we came back the other day.

Didn't a Customs staff bus bring back an illegal Immigrant the other day , he was hiding between the fuel tank..?? 

[Colin Bishop]

Yes, that's right. He managed to get between the fuel tank and the underside of the bus! Nobody realised there was a gap there.

Colin

[Wasyl]

  Shouldn't that be a haggis bar, Wasyl?

Obviously you have,nt been reading the Daily Papers,Haggis was invented by the Englsh,according to archive material dating back to the middle ages,We just perfected it,

Wullie,

[Roger in France]

You will not be surprised to know I travel to and from the UK fairly often, with a French Registered car. I seldom get stopped on ferries or in the Tunnel.

However, on one occasion at the UK end of the tunnel I was ordered into a lay by and the car was "attacked" by two uniformed females but no identifying marks, who gave me cursory orders to open doors, windows etc. They then passed what looked like sticks with sampling pads over door handles, the steering wheel etc. I asked them what they were doing and why and they completely ignored me but chatted to each other. I was then told to carry on.

On returning home I contacted the UK Border Agency and asked for an explanation and complained about the rudeness I had experienced. They replied saying it was not them but Euro Tunnel staff and that when buying a ticket I accepted the terms of passage which entitled them to conduct any form of search.

I wrote to Euro Tunnel, they never replied.

I frequently travel with our dog. I travelled in the first week of the Pet Scheme and the poor dog was checked 5 times! Now, nobody bothers!

Entering France I sometimes never even see any staff at the Border Control Office!

Roger in France

[Inkmark]

Guys
Recounting an incident when I was stopped at Dover a while ago, car loaded with stuff, wife and kids and of course we are all tired.
Officer: Where have you come from sir?
Me: France.
Officer: No, I mean where have you come from sir?
Me: France, off that ferry over there.
Officer: Have you visited anywhere else?
Me: Yes, North Spain.
Officer: Then you have come from Spain.
Me: No, I have come from France, my car cannot fly.

So everything was unloaded and searched, 40 minutes of officialdom, the joys of being English.
Mark

[Colin Bishop]

If you give them backchat you are simply asking for it I'm afraid. It wasn't an unreasonable question, many cars coming into Dover come from all over the Continent, including places like Amsterdam for example.

[Wasyl]

A couple of years ago my wife and i were driving towards Dortmund,when we were pulled over by the Politzei,The policeman asked me about a sticker i had on the wheel cover of my 4 x 4,(Panzerkamphwagen der Konigstiger)he asked me if i was a Neo Nazi,i told him it was pertaining to my hobby,collectimg model Panzers and i explained to him that i had a model in back of the car,He said "show me" when i opened the door,out fell a German Helmet,that i,d forgotten about,and it had the SS runes on one side and a faded swastika on the other,The policeman picked it up,and,said,"these symbols are forbidden in this country"I said "but their not forbidden in my country,"he said,"why not"there then ensued a discussion about said helmet,model tanks and about how it was forbidden to  to show a swastika on a model in Germany,unless it was covered by a paper sticker, if said model was to be shown in public,

Wullie

[The long Build]

If you give them backchat you are simply asking for it I'm afraid. It wasn't an unreasonable question, many cars coming into Dover come from all over the Continent, including places like Amsterdam for example.

yes, but he answered the question !!

Where have you come from ?..  France, to me that is an answer. although Via spain might have been more prudent.

I always have fun trying to leave the country as well as getting back in , must be the U.S passport I have especially when I have a new one without the "official Right of entry stamp" in it , and having forgot to take the old one with me last year , however I must have had a lucky day as the official, after a chat let me in with out having to forward any documents. Remembered to take it this year 

[regiment]

if i wore a burka ; would that be ok with my bus pass

[wombat]

Security can be a pain, but better that than the alternative - after all it is all logical. And lets be honest it don't take that long - last Monday flew to Zurich amongst the last minute holiday makers - only took about 15 miunutes to get through. Just got to remember the rules and be ready - belt ready to be removed, shoes unlaced, laptop into a separate box. No sweat - smile and be polite.

Wom

[The long Build]

Security can be a pain, but better that than the alternative - after all it is all logical. And lets be honest it don't take that long - last Monday flew to Zurich amongst the last minute holiday makers - only took about 15 miunutes to get through. Just got to remember the rules and be ready - belt ready to be removed, shoes unlaced, laptop into a separate box. No sweat - smile and be polite.

Wom

Being that prepaired and ready would make me more suspicious of you if I was a customs/ security official.

[OMK]

"No sweat - smile and be polite."

Works every time.

I was snatching a last-minute cigarette in the smoking lounge at Heathrow before embarking on a 10-hour flight to the States. What I didn't realise was that I should have boarded the plane some 20 minutes previously. I finished my smoke, then enjoyed a leisurely stroll while trying to find the place where my plane was parked. Talk about chaos. Tens of ground staff, all running around like demented loonies, shouting and waving their arms - and even some security geezer waving a gun around (a GUN?!!). "Are you Mr K?!.. are you Mr K?!", they demanded - almost menacingly. I pooped a brick. "Yeah, I be he.", says I. "You should have boarded 20 minutes ago -- we've had to remove your luggage. The captain is throwing a fit and waiting to take off NOW!". Fortunately, I was able to make the flight, but the scheduled take-off was delayed even more while they stuffed my luggage back on board. And then the Captain's voice over the intercom... "We will now be arriving at SFO approximately 50 minutes late due to one very inconsiderate passenger.". The resounding "Grrrr!" from all the others was deafening... and if looks could kill.
What a dump that place is. Their so-called smoking lounge is nothing short of a pig-sty anyhow.
In contrast, the Yanks know how to do it in style. Their airports are soooo much cleaner than ours. And you're actually greeted with genuine, cheery smiles. "Is this your first time here?", asked a pretty lady. "Yep - first time.". "Welcome to our lands.".
Same deal when I departed the place. Same smiley faces, same friendly attitudes........ Then before you you know it you're back on English turf... the hell-hole they call Heathrow. The stench of the place, grotty cigarette butts everywhere you look... the arrogant couldn't-care-less attitudes.
I HATE travelling.

Bluebird, not sure how Dicky will relay any messages your way, seeing as how you're now without a connection, but, for what it's worth, I too am with BT (albeit not much longer). They stole ten quid from my account yesterday. Trying to contact them is sheer hell. And when you do finally get through you invariably find yoursef talking to some Wop in the middle if India(!) who can barely utter a word of the Queen's English - let alone have a conversation.
My contract ends with them ends in a few weeks. Thankd gawd.

Oh, AND my phoneline crackles like rice crispies.
"We will have an engineer check it out for you.", said they.
That was nine months ago.

[The long Build]

"No sweat - smile and be polite."
with BT (albeit not much longer). They stole ten quid from my account yesterday. Trying to contact them is sheer hell. And when you do finally get through you invariably find yoursef talking to some Wop in the middle if India(!) who can barely utter a word of

Don't Bother , if it was a Direct Debit payment contact your bank (maybe to late now but worth a try) and state that under the Direct Debit indemnity you wish to have this charge refunded as it was unauthorised.  See how long it is before they contact you..

[OMK]

It is indeed done via direct debit.
I wasn't aware of the indemnity thing. Thanks for the heads-up.

[The long Build]

A Bit More Info , and don't let the banks fob you off..

Under the rules of the Direct Debit Scheme, should any money be taken in error, then the customer's bank or building society must, on request, make an immediate refund to the customer's account. This is the Direct Debit Guarantee. This covers situations where the originator has not given the required advance notice regarding a change of amount or date. It also protects customers should an incorrect amount be debited or if a debit occurs earlier than the specified, agreed date, or in error.

http://www.financevictims.co.uk/direct-debits/index.htm

Your bank may try to sidestep it but be firm and quote the direct debit guarantee, ask them to check with a supervisor if need be.

[OMK]

I shall indeed.
Excellent info'. Thanks again.

[Colin Bishop]

Certainly check it, but some direct debit agreements make reference to unspecified amounts and times in which case things could be a bit more difficult.

Colin

[OMK]

My DDs go out on the pre-arranged 1st and 8th of each month, each by the pre-arranged/pre-agreed amount. So hopefully I may have a valid case to argue.

[The long Build]

Certainly check it, but some direct debit agreements make reference to unspecified amounts and times in which case things could be a bit more difficult.

Colin

True , but they are supposed to advise you in advance of any additional amounts above and beyond the norm.
I would imagine as it is BT anything accept the bill should be notified 10-14 days prior..(and even then you are supposed to get either a paper or email invoice)  We have had claims against us for 1p difference and I am not joking..

Be intresting to see what happens.

[Colin H]

I am with LB on this one. Yesterday I had my paperwork returned from my insurer on printed on the bottom is The Direct Debit Guarantee as follows.

(1) This guarantee is offered by all Banks & Building Societies that take part in the Direct Debit Guarantee Scheme. The efficiency and security is monitored and protected by your own Bank or Building Society.

(2) If the amounts to be paid or the payment dates change S-----n Group Ltd will notify you 7 working days in advance of the amount being debited or as otherwise agreed.

(3) If an error is made by S-----n Group Ltd or your Bank or Building Society, you are guaranteed a full and immediate refund from your branch of the amount paid.

(4) You can cancel a Direct Debit at any time by writing to your Bank or Building Society. Please also send a copy of your letter to us.

Colin H.