Package of measures to support road haulage industry announced by the Government

20 July 2021

A package of measures to help tackle the HGV driver shortage was announced by the Government on 20 July 2021.

Ministers have pledged to work with industry leaders to attract new drivers, simplify training and encourage people to stay in the industry in an open letter addressed to the UK Logistics Sector.

One area which is identified is that there will be a new consultation on drivers taking one test to drive both an articulated and rigid lorry. The thinking is that this might streamline the process for new drivers to gain their HGV licence and would increase lorry test appointment availability.

The same consultation is likely to also examine trainers being allowed to examine drivers in the off-road manoeuvres part of the HGV driving test, and look at whether specific car and trailer tests should be required. The thought process behind this is that it will allow a significant increase in the number of HGV driving tests to be conducted whilst maintaining road safety standards.

The open letter can be found here and if you require any advice, please contact our regulatory team on 01254 828300.