News
26 Oct 2021

Driver shortage: Act now to prevent a Christmas crisis - RHA

rodrha(894323)

The UK haulage industry and leading trade bodies have written to the Prime Minister urging him to implement immediate measures to address the HGV driver shortage.

While the Government have taken some steps to tackle the crisis, the solutions proposed won 't address the escalating shortage of 100,000 drivers in the short term.

The letter which is signed by major hauliers and trade bodies urges the Prime Minister to take swift action to:

  • Add HGV drivers to the Shortage Occupation List for a period of at least twelve months
  • Extend and reform the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC), encouraging experienced and retired drivers to immediately return to driving
  • Convene an HGV driver taskforce that would see the haulage industry and Government work together

It warns that without decisive action there 's a “risk of further damage to not only our businesses and livelihoods, but the UK 's integrated and finely balanced supply chains. ”

The RHA and its members have long campaigned for improved conditions for lorry drivers. This includes an increase in lorry parking spaces, truck stops, investment in the road network, as well as improved apprenticeships and skills funding to encourage more people to join the industry as HGV drivers.

Rod McKenzie (pictured), RHA managing director, said: “There has never been a more challenging time for the haulage industry. The Prime Minister must act now or risk even more drastic disruption than we have already seen in recent months.

“Our members are committed to working with Government on long-term solutions to attract more drivers into the industry. However, the Government is simply not addressing the short-term severity of this crisis given the 18 months it will take to invest in and train a UK workforce. Lacklustre and ill-conceived proposals such as a three-month visa will not work.

“For months we have been calling for urgent action. The tin-eared approach from ministers to this spiralling situating cannot continue. ”

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