HGV Driver Shortage Improving According To Experts
Last year the industry was gripped in a battle to stem a national driver shortage, caused in part by Covid lockdowns. The shortfall was estimated to be in the region of 100,000 according to the RHA at the time. All class 2 & 1 tests were cancelled which resulted in a back log and no new passes coming through for a period spanning nearly 18 months. Coupled with an ageing driver profile, the industry has hit hard with very little options for a quick fix.
Now it seems things are on the up somewhat according to industry data. Real time wages have grown between 15-25%, with drivers now able to earn a good living. In what has historically been deemed an unglamourous career choice, with many drivers required to work unsociable hours away from home. The dramatic increase in earning potential has attracted new blood to the sector, with many test centres fully booked for weeks in advance.
Driven partly by the government’s response the crisis, the initiative has had the desired effect. In what was a 33-point action plan, several key factors were introduced. They included increasing capacity of driving tests by 90%, making changes to the complexity of the actual test as well as employing a raft of new examiners.
Whilst the 33-point plan may have so far had the desired impact, the government has a long way to go in setting out improvements in facilities and working condition for drivers.
