On November 8th 2021, the government announced a large-scale review into HGV training in the UK, with a view to improving the compulsory on-going training for current and returning drivers. As part of this move, the Secretary of State for Transport, Grant Shapps has also stated that sites are being identified across the UK for short-term improvements to lorry parking facilities.

Further to that, £½m is being invested in moving an extra 29,000 lorry loads of cargo from the roads onto the rail network. This comes hot on the heels of the Driver & Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) clearing more than 40,000 applications for HGV and vocational licences in only 4 weeks. Signs indeed that strides are being made in the battle to address the current shortage.

A Sweeping Review of Compulsory HGV Training

The elements described represent a fraction of a total of 30 separate measures that make up what is a sweeping review of compulsory HGV training practices in the United Kingdom. These moves are an attempt by the government to improve the current status quo for bus and HGV drivers, encourage former drivers to return to the sector and provide much needed support to the haulage sector.

As things stand, HGV drivers are currently required to undergo 5 days of Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) training every 5 years to remain road legal. The CPC system was introduced as an EU initiative and while this is an extremely effective way of maintaining safety standards, some drivers are left having to foot the cost, while not being paid to attend the classroom-based training – an industry paradigm that feedback suggests is putting some off from returning to the profession.

Reducing the Burden on Drivers

The primary focus of this wide-ranging review is to examine how the current processes can be adjusted to minimise the burden placed on drivers in the UK HGV sector. Much work has gone into making the role of HGV driver more attractive to those outside it and it is hoped that any and all barriers stopping people from joining the sector are removed.

On the subject, Grant Shapps had this to say: “We’re listening to industry leaders who have told us about the issues HGV drivers face with CPC arrangements. Now we’ve taken back control of our own laws and regulations, I’m delighted to say we’re launching a review into these training rules.

We understand it’s vital for drivers to remain fully qualified – but we’re looking to ensure they can do so in the most efficient way possible whilst maintaining road safety standards. No driver should be out of pocket or out of work through no fault of their own.

This is the latest in a raft of 30 measures we’ve taken to support this vital sector and encourage drivers to return to the job or kick start a new career in the industry. These measures are working – there is no backlog of HGV licence applications and we’re seeing over a thousand more people than normal apply for a licence each week”.

£32.5m Committed to UK HGV Facilities

Another perceived barrier to people joining the industry is a lack of adequate roadside facilities and lorry parks in the United Kingdom, but this is being addressed with a recent £32.5m commitment by the government to invest in improving the number and standard available. This is seen as a major issue, particularly for female HGV drivers, as everyone deserves to be comfortable, happy and safe in their role.

Another £500,000 will also be earmarked in 2021-22 for the Mode Shift Revenue Support Fund, providing an additional boost to the supply chain. This encourages more private sector freight companies to use the UK’s rail or waterway network rather than the roads and makes the total amount provided for the grant scheme to over £20m. It is hoped that 29,000 loads will be diverted in this way.

Approval from Logistics UK Director of Policy

These far-reaching measures were met with approval from Director of Policy at Logistics UK Elizabeth De Jong, who said: “The measures announced today (8 November 2021) will support our members in their efforts to attract and retain new HGV drivers to the sector. Inadequate driver facilities across the roads network have led to a negative impression of our industry.

This creates a barrier to entry to our sector and is an issue that we have been campaigning on for many years. We are pleased that the government has listened to our concerns and will move forward with a rapid programme of improvements”.

Turning the Tide On the UK HGV Driver Shortage

While there’s still much hard work to do, it would seem that those calling for major change are finally beginning to see meaningful action across all the current pain points. The directives being implemented by the government would, on the face of it, seem to be making a big difference, with a 90% weekly increase in the number of people applying for an HGV licence.

At HGVC, we’re delighted to see the increased investment and focus on this important part of the UK’s infrastructure and we’ll continue, as we have throughout the pandemic and beyond, to play our part by delivering high quality, industry-leading HGV licence acquisition programs for businesses up and down the country.

If you would like to know about us and our user-friendly, transparent driver training process that’s able to be scaled to meet any size of need, please have a good look around our website today. Alternatively, if you would like to talk to us about how we can help your organisation overcome the current shortage of HGV drivers, simply drop us a line via our Contact Us form or call us on 0330 818 8888.