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Driver shortage – more needs to be done

[ July 29, 2016   //   ]

Current thinking on solving the truck driver shortage is not sufficiently targeted or wide-reaching enough, says a new report by the House of Commons Transport Committee. Nor will it be able to deal with future growth or cope with the ageing profile of drivers likely to retire in the next ten years, it added. Haulage associations estimate a current shortfall of 45,000–60,000 drivers with another 40,000 due to leave the industry by 2017.

According to a Freight Transport Association survey, 91% of companies reported difficulties in recruiting drivers.

The Committee also heard that many thousands of licensed LGV drivers choose not to drive professionally due to the cost of acquiring a licence; lack of investment in d training; poor working terms; and inadequate roadside facilities.

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