Driver shortage plans lack short-term fixes

Government plans to tackle the HGV driver shortage won’t help firms in the short-term.

Ministers have pledged to work with industry leaders to attract new drivers, simplify training and encourage people to stay in the sector.

But the RHA says the crisis is so great it needs immediate short-term measures allowing the industry to work towards the longer-term fixes.

RHA Chief Executive, Richard Burnett said, “This is a step in the right direction long-term, but it doesn’t address the critical short-term issues we’re facing. The problem is immediate, and we need to have access to drivers from overseas on short-term visas. The idea to simplify training and speed up testing is welcome; along with encouraging recruitment it will only improve things in a year or two’s time.”

The RHA continues to call on ministers to put HGV drivers on the Home Office Shortage Occupation List.

The HGV driver shortage stands at 100,000.

-Ends-