Source · Select Committees · Transport Committee
Recommendation 18
18
Paragraph: 58
The Government should give the logistics sector two years to deliver sufficient drivers and high-quality...
Recommendation
The Government should give the logistics sector two years to deliver sufficient drivers and high-quality parking facilities. If industry does not deliver, the Government should implement the levy charging mechanism and cause the industry to pay sufficient sums for the Government to build these facilities and pay to train new drivers, so they do not have to pay the cost of their own training. Such a mechanism must be accompanied by Government planning reforms in order for the industry to be able to deliver and avoid paying the Supply Chain Levy.
Paragraph Reference:
58
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
The Government notes this recommendation. We have put in place 33 Government-led interventions to target the HGV driver shortage. Our interventions range from introducing skills bootcamps for the sector with 11,000 funded training places, to using our newfound Brexit freedoms to allow regular drivers to tow a trailer without needing to take a separate test, and in doing so freeing up 50,000 driving test slots for HGV drivers. We now have many more HGV driving test slots available. Processing of HGV driving applications is happening quickly and the backlog has been cleared, and we are investing more than £52 million to improve lorry parking and welfare facilities for drivers. The Government recognises the need for a modernised planning system and is taking steps to ensure that the needs of the freight sector, including HGV parking provisions, receive due consideration through, and at all levels of the planning system. The Committee is right to highlight the pivotal role industry have in making long term improvements for drivers. Government will continue to engage with industry stakeholders, supporting them as they address necessary improvements in pay, and take steps to modernise working practices and working environments and conditions for all drivers. We will continue to monitor and evaluate the impact of our measures and encourage industry to make positive change.