A YUGOSLAVIAN lorry driver has been ordered to pay more than £2,400 in fines and costs after admitting failing to declare dangerous goods being carried on a cross-Channel ferry from Calais to Dover.

At a hearing at Folkestone Magistrates' Court, Jovica Djurdjevic, 45, was fined £1,500 plus £974 costs for committing the offence on September 9 last year.

The court was told that Djurdjevic had sailed on a passenger ferry which had onboard 114 passengers and crew.

While undergoing a routine inspection at the HM Immigration Service scanner it was found that the vehicle was carrying 18,690 gas generators for use in the manufacturer of air bags for cars.

They are Class 1.4S Dangerous Goods. Class 1.4S is included in the classification covering explosives. The load had a total net explosive quantity of 16.83kg.

The Port of Dover Police and the Maritime & Coastguard Agency were informed. When questioned later that day at Dover Police station, Djurdjevic stated that he had informed the ferry company that he was carrying ADR (European Road Transport Regulations) but not dangerous goods.

In their summing up, the magistrates stated that the act of bringing onboard a cargo of this type had been irresponsible. Irresponsible in that Djurdjevic had not notified the operator of his hazardous load, as required. Djurdjevic would have been aware of the consequences from his training.

Captain Eric Meare, Marine Surveyor at the Dover Marine Office of the MCA, said: "This incident highlights the much repeated message to all drivers to check their loads and report all dangerous goods to ferry operators when checking in."