HGV Driving Licences

For the convenience of the House, motions 6 and 7 on road traffic will be debated together.

[INTERVENTION]: What assessment has the Minister made of whether the changes will in fact deliver the additional capacity for HGV drivers that she said should happen? What assessment has actually been made?

The ongoing driver shortage is having a profound impact on businesses and consumers, yet the Government have fallen well short in their effort to boost driver recruitment. The shortages that are crippling our economy and supply chains could lead to disruption and misery for millions in the upcoming Christmas period. We have a mounting driving test backlog, and it is clear that only the Opposition and our proposals will take the necessary steps to address the issue and invest in upskilling UK workers. It is vital to take the urgent action that is required to boost driver recruitment and get our country moving again to support businesses after a challenging two years. The Government’s short-sighted approach of diluting testing requirements endangers all road users by threatening road safety for drivers and users, increasing HGV drivers' working hours, and making conditions less attractive. Instead of these measures, the Opposition propose expanding testing capacity through examiner recruitment, increasing facilities, resolving industrial action, improving conditions and retaining existing staff by resetting pay, terms and conditions.

The hon. Member highlights concerns about the safety differences between driving rigid HGVs and those with trailers, questioning the Government's assessment of these differences before relaxing training requirements for drivers transitioning from one to the other. He also inquires about the geographic distribution of testing facilities and expresses skepticism over a three-year implementation period for regulatory changes.

The shortage of HGV drivers is a long-standing issue exacerbated by Brexit. The industry did not adapt quickly enough, take-home pay was diluted compared to other sectors, and the Government ignored warnings about this problem for years. EU drivers were critical in covering shortages before Brexit but now there are severe staffing issues. Despite some recent actions like apprenticeship incentives, more needs to be done to address the immediate crisis and prevent future disruptions.

There is potential to encourage retired members of the Territorial Army or full-time forces who gained HGV licences during their service to return as HGV drivers. This could provide a solution for the shortage crisis.

Smyth discusses her work with the all-party parliamentary group on trailer and towing safety, highlighting the efforts made to improve road safety. She expresses disappointment at the Government's proposals, which she believes will worsen safety by removing a mandatory test for drivers who tow trailers over 750 kg.

Expressed concern about the HGV driver shortage and its impact on communities, supporting government measures but urging more to be done. Highlighted declining terms and conditions in the haulage industry, post-Brexit labour market changes, and called for making visas available for foreign drivers. She emphasised road safety concerns regarding proposed changes in driving tests, particularly the abolition of the trailer towing test.

Responded to points raised by hon. Members, acknowledging the HGV driver shortage and addressing measures like facility improvements, diversity in recruitment, and funding for apprenticeships and training programmes. She also addressed road safety concerns and promised a full impact assessment before the end of the year.