In a move designed to alleviate ‘significant’ pressures on the supply chain caused by the ongoing HGV driver shortage, the decision concerning the extension of current cabotage rules – that govern foreign drivers moving cargo within the shores of the UK– is going to public consultation.

The current cabotage laws are themselves part of a previous temporary extension that was granted by the government in October of 2021 – something that’s due to expire on 30th of April 2022. These rules allow unlimited cabotage movements within the United Kingdom for up to 14 days after entry on a laden international journey.

DfT Seeking Evidence & Views About New Extension

According to the Department for Transport (DfT), it is seeking views and evidence with regards to whether these extra rights should be extended past the current deadline. Also requested is information about the level of cabotage uptake, focusing on how specific sectors have taken advantage of the allowance.

Both positive and negative viewpoints on the extension are being considered, with the DfT suggesting that the uptake of cabotage rights had been at a lower level than anticipated. A spokesman from the department summed the status quo up by simply saying “While measures to tackle driver shortages are having an effect, issues remain”.

Logistics UK Against the Extension

The UK government has stated that the idea behind extending cabotage laws beyond their current limit is to ease pressure in certain areas of the supply chain. These pressures could have to be faced the instant cabotage rights end or later in the year e.g. when things get busier in the lead up to Christmas.

One particular body opposed to the extension is Logistics UK who voiced their opinion when the last extension was granted back in October 2021. At the time, they suggested that the move would compel more HGV drivers to have to park up in lay-bys overnight to remain on course, meaning that it should only be a temporary state of affairs.

“The Supply Chain Concern Is Not the Same”

James Firth, Logistics UK Head of Road Freight Regulation Policy had this to say on the subject – “Logistics UK members – both shippers and road freight operators – supported the option of extensions to cabotage rules at a time when, ahead of the Christmas peak, there was genuine concern over the integrity of the supply chain as a result of the driver shortage.

At the time, we called for it to be used only as a short-term measure and while members would say the challenges of the driver shortage are not past, there is not the level of concern that there was in November ‘21”.  The public consultation ends on the 23rd March 2022.

HGVC – Offering Leading HGV Licence Programmes

Everyone in the logistics industry can see that the problems of 2021 have improved slightly, but there is still a long way to go until we get to the point where the sector could be said to be enjoying rude health. There is certainly a lot of hard work ahead.

No one said it would be easy, but the HGVC team will be doing everything it can to support the industry with industry-leading, scalable HGV licence acquisition programmes. To find out more about us, simply take a browse around our website.

Alternatively, if you’d like to speak to us about how we can help your organisation circumvent the current HGV driver shortage, click ‘contact us’ or give us a call on 0330 818 8888 today. Our team is ready and waiting to discuss your driver training needs.