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'Green, red, Green' customs confusion
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by PANORAMA reporter
The new Customs arrangements on the Gibraltar side of the frontier are causing confusion. This is because once you exit the two lanes from Spain, when you enter Gibraltar you come up against three lanes. And one is green, the next is red and the third is green as well.
The red channel is the one facing the motorist as he leaves Spain - and there are those who carry on straight ahead as if they had anything to declare, which is often not the case.
Furthermore, since the red channel is the one in the middle, traffic stopping there to declare plus other vehicles that may be stopped, end up causing obstructions to other vehicles coming in, who have to turn left or right to the green channels.
Sources say that customs officers are generally unhappy with the arrngements.They have to make the system work, but apparently have not been consulted.
In the past, the red channel was against the building. This did not cause obstruction to others; there was also adequate space to search any vehicle.
Now, there is no lay-by for searching vehicles, as this would have to take place in the middle of the road! Further, tail-backs ensue should Customs decide to stop vehicles - or if a number of cars stopped to declare dutiable goods.
Remember, the red channel is the channel in the middle of it all!
Are Customs being told not to comply with their duties because of the tail-backs that could develop?
When you come in from Spain, it is the red channel you face encouraging drivers to proceed straight ahead. And if you come in when the second Spanish channel is operating (the one on the left as you enter the Rock) you also cause a commotion if you want to declare goods, as you have to drive across to the middle channel!
Is the answer to have the red channel on the side and not the middle?
There are also reports that there is no place for immigration to stop drivers. If cars go to one side, they block a green channel, again causing problems.
It is clear that a rethink is necessary.
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