Much focus has been on solving the ongoing HGV driver shortage in the UK while also ensuring that safety on Britain’s roads is maintained. However, according to a report by the Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), that safety is under grave threat due to the sheer number of HGV drivers operating illegally.

At present, there are apparently, in excess of 20,000 HGVs currently operating illegally without having a valid MOT in their possession. Needless to say, this presents a major challenge that traffic enforcement personnel must target, and the government has expressed their intention to heavily penalise anyone found without a valid HGV MOT.

“One in Twenty Operating Without a Valid MOT”

UK Transport Minister Baroness Vere gave her opinion on the matter while fielding a parliamentary question relating to vehicle testing last week. She said…

“The DVSA estimates that at any time, there could be around one in twenty British HGVs operating on Great Britain’s roads that are operating without a valid MOT. The DVSA takes this matter very seriously and targets its on-road enforcement towards such vehicles.

Any vehicle found not to have a valid MOT is referred to the traffic commissioners, who have the power to take action against the license of the vehicle operator.”

No Plans to Change the Current System

According to the latest Department for Transport (DfT) figures from 201, there are just over 400,000 GB-registered HGV drivers. What this means is that if the DVSA’s claim is accurate, then there are currently 20,300 lorries driving on the UK’s roads that don’t have a valid MOT certificate in their possession. 

However, despite this news, Baroness stated that after the heavy goods vehicle testing review conducted in 2021, there were no plans in place to alter the current system in any way. She added, “The review, which was published the same year, concluded HGV testing should continue to be delivered as is, which provides independent assurance to ensure vehicles are maintained correctly, and safety is not compromised”.

Another Challenge Faced By the UK Haulage Industry

At HGVC, we’ve always been strong advocates of any initiatives or measures that make the UK’s roads safer. Clearly, the news that 20,000 HGV drivers are driving with a valid MOT in place is worrying, and it’s something the government will need to address at some point. That said, the UK haulage industry has faced many challenges recently. 

We understand the importance of road safety, as does the DfT. As such, we’ll continue to do the work we’re best known for – delivering industry-leading HGV licence acquisition programs that have road safety and regulatory compliance at their core. Provided via our vast network of driver training centres, we’re working hard to drive down the current skills gap in the sector. 

If you’d like to find out more about us and what sets us apart from the rest, take a look around our website or to get in touch, simply call 0330 818 8888 or click on ‘contact us’ today.