Bosses seek action over lorry driver shortage

Industry bosses in the North East want Government action to tackle the huge problems currently facing the transport sector.

The North East England Chamber of Commerce says a shortage of qualified HGV drivers -caused by Brexit regulation changes - and a rise in online shopping is posing major problems for businesses in the region where 90% of goods are transported by road.

Marianne O’Sullivan, Chamber policy adviser said: “Brexit uncertainty and a pandemic that saw online markets to grow very quickly have exacerbated pressures on the logistics industry.

“As well as pressures from online ordering, the industry is also seeing a reduction in the number of EU drivers.

"According to Logistics UK, there was a 36.3% fall in EU HGV drivers in the UK in 2020 compared to 2019.

"As well as these shortages the industry is also facing an ageing workforce, 47% of UK drivers are over the age of 50.”

In the letter, the Chamber pays tribute to the logistics industry, which is playing its part to make careers within it more attractive to new drivers and investing in new vehicles and greater health and safety measures.

Measures asked for by the Chamber include the Government providing support for the high costs of driver qualifications – through interest-free loans or grants.

It says this would go some way towards enabling the industry to train HGV drivers themselves.

It also suggests that adding HGV drivers to the Government’s shortage occupation list if the current problem continues – would encourage more to work in the UK.