The UK haulage industry is currently facing a shortage of between 45,000 and 50,000 HGV drivers, according to the Road Haulage Association.
RHA chief executive Richard Burnett, said the organisation was keen to set the record straight following scare stories in some national newspapers which suggested that the driver shortage could stop families getting their Christmas presents on time.
“We as an industry need to face this challenge head-on,” he said. “And with a shortage of drivers across Europe, it’s vital that the sector does more to bring people into the industry.”
Burnett highlighted some of the initiatives to tackle the problem. “The road freight sector will continue to deliver the goods we all need, the supermarket shelves will not empty, but it’s vital for the good of the whole economy that we increase the availability of quality drivers,” he said.
